tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77149615597472058262024-03-14T10:54:30.772-07:00"Post Tenebras Lux"After Darkness, Light!
ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comBlogger699125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-91292538818339684022024-01-11T09:14:00.000-08:002024-01-11T09:27:42.755-08:00THE Long-Awaited Messiah is our Prophet, Priest, and King! John 20:30-31 and Selected Scripture (pt. 1)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMKtOloaj-_vA8iQXO2AfLEWv_ggtXatM1JZ2PU-lpSy4SVf600ZdEr9arXIlNtLnTel3R9tfZP__oyQ-DU3hrXj6iU8Pnc-zeNs6ROtOiLZy9RKVOQMrlQ3YHHHGGUGG26k1k2I6Jd3euwsjr2W7OZqZiQzpJ7_AslHBlLGm7aVJvP6qRhPdme36_iw/s1000/CHRIST%20Leon%20Morris.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMKtOloaj-_vA8iQXO2AfLEWv_ggtXatM1JZ2PU-lpSy4SVf600ZdEr9arXIlNtLnTel3R9tfZP__oyQ-DU3hrXj6iU8Pnc-zeNs6ROtOiLZy9RKVOQMrlQ3YHHHGGUGG26k1k2I6Jd3euwsjr2W7OZqZiQzpJ7_AslHBlLGm7aVJvP6qRhPdme36_iw/s320/CHRIST%20Leon%20Morris.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>1) <b><u>What is a Messiah</u>? <u>Why
does John identify Jesus as THE Christ</u>?</b> <div><br /></div><div>John <i>does not</i> say Jesus is simply “a” Christ. The New Testament proves that Jesus is "<b>the </b>Anointed One, <b>the</b> Son of God."<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">In the Old Testament prophets, priests, and
kings were all consecrated to God for special service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">Prophets, priests, and kings are called “anointed” ones. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> (</span>Note Exodus 28:1, 41; 30:31-33. 1 Sam. 13;
19:21; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 Chron. 26.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 105:15; 1 Chron. 16:22)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">2) <b><u>What crucial roles did these “anointed”
ones play</u>?</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">
A) <b>Godly prophets revealed the divine will and holy purposes of Yahweh.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">B) <b>Godly priests brought people into
Yahweh’s holy presence for worship and service.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">C) <b>Godly kings rules over God’s
people on Yahweh’s behalf.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">3) <b><u>Why were “messiah figures” even
needed</u>?</b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">A) <b>Godly prophets were necessary
because post-fall man is spiritually lost and spiritually ignorant.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">B) <b>Godly priests were necessary because
post-fall man is sinful and unclean and thus alienated from Holy God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">C) <b>Godly kings were necessary because
post-fall humanity is like a wild bronco that desperately needs to be reigned in.</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">4) <b><u>What does all this have to do
with Jesus Christ and with us (personally)</u>?</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>John 1:41; 20:31.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">A) <b>As the Prophet par excellence-
Messiah Jesus is the perfect revelation of God.</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">B) <b>As the Great High Priest- Messiah
Jesus offers a perfect, once for all sacrifice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Through Him we can draw near to serve and worship Yahweh.</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;"><o:p> C) </o:p><b>As the conquering King- Messiah
Jesus subdues rebellious hearts and reigns over His people as Lord!</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">The Divine Christ is our Prophet,
Priest, and King!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Said differently, Messiah Jesus is Lord and Savior of all who truly believe in Him. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">The Old Testament predicts and anticipates a coming Messianic-Savior! While the New Testament announces He came for us and that He's coming again. One of my favorite songs that underscores this glorious theme is "<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nne8Mkd9vJM" target="_blank">Come For Us</a></b>." </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">All sinners need not just a messiah but THE Messiah, Jesus Christ (John 1:41; 3:16; 14:6; 20:30-31 Acts 4:12) ! The King of the Jews is the Savior (Light) of the world. Let every heart enthrone Him and crown Him Lord of all!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">Every incentive and motivation we
need to live obediently as Christians is found in the Person and Work of Christ! The book of Colossians underscores this glorious truth. The Gospel of John compels us to live Christ-centered lives.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">This<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeXGtdRTxGU" target="_blank"> sermon series</a> on Messiah Jesus should heighten our worship, fortify our faith, and strength our witness to the glory of God.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p></div>ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-1518226624966823512023-12-03T09:07:00.000-08:002023-12-03T09:07:18.014-08:00Before You Quit the Ministry: Learning to Count Like Jesus.<b><i>Before You Quit the Ministry</i>: <i>Learning to Count Like Jesus</i></b>. Some helpful biblical instruction from Pastor Mathis. <br /><br /><div>We have over two hundred pastors in this room, and if Barna’s recent report is accurate, then about 85 of you considered quitting in the last twelve months. This past March, Barna’s survey on pastoral confidence and vocational satisfaction reported that 41 percent of the pastors they queried thought about walking away in the last year. That was down 1 percent from 2022, which was up 13 percent from 2021.<br /><br /></div><div>But most of us don’t need survey numbers to know that these last few years have been hard times to be a pastor and to endure in the challenges of pastoral ministry. And in such times, Philippians is a great choice for a pastors’ conference. In particular, I love the pairing of “the epistle of joy” with this theme of endurance. Paul wrote while enduring incarceration, and he wrote to a church enduring opposition. And yet Philippians is known for radiating with joy. No other epistle, and maybe no other biblical book, shines so brightly with so many explicit mentions of joy and rejoicing and gladness in such short space. So we are set up very wisely and wonderfully for illuminating both this theme and this letter, and for learning to count the joys of ministry, not just the costs.<br /><br /></div><div><b>Unity, Humility, and Joy</b>: Chapter 2 continues the focus on unity begun in Philippians 1:27, with exhortations to unity within the church (verses 1–2, 14–16), and humility in the soul (verses 3–4), and with four personal examples.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" dir="rtl" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8GqFUVLc59G4X5I5WoTLGOsb-kljtrpBpzv0A29LMWiAAaXNLwzkQOmqIOeEzRDcNU1668kMV5bsxs86qbdepVdipvE6XjHvMt_sZztS86pRC_VPEW-vJT2p7HOFW0M7Cto_rYdebZUNLMKOaptr3i4TutWRIIuGhyphenhyphenggyzyCEYY1K6RHhtOWavdVUCk/s700/2%20Cor%2011.2829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="700" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8GqFUVLc59G4X5I5WoTLGOsb-kljtrpBpzv0A29LMWiAAaXNLwzkQOmqIOeEzRDcNU1668kMV5bsxs86qbdepVdipvE6XjHvMt_sZztS86pRC_VPEW-vJT2p7HOFW0M7Cto_rYdebZUNLMKOaptr3i4TutWRIIuGhyphenhyphenggyzyCEYY1K6RHhtOWavdVUCk/s320/2%20Cor%2011.2829.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Verses 1–2 extend the charge to unity, and verses 3–4 commend humility as the channel to such unity. And the Philippians are not on their own to obey, but God himself is at work in them (verses 12–13) to humble themselves, and so, in the face of external opposition, to strive side by side for the gospel, not against each other. For the Philippian church, opposition was not new. Acts 16 tells us how quickly persecution followed on the heels of the gospel first coming to Philippi. Paul cast the spirit out of a slave girl, and he and Silas were soon beaten with rods and imprisoned. What’s new, and newly threatening, is that Paul has heard of some emerging divisions inside this local church. So Paul, imprisoned again, now in Rome, writes with the burden that the Philippians freshly seek unity and humility, and follow four tangible examples of humble, joyful endurance.</div><div><br /></div><div>Chapter 2 is wonderfully concrete with these four personal examples: Timothy and Epaphroditus in verses 19–30, and Christ himself in verses 5–11 — which is the heart of the chapter and the Christian faith. And it’s where we’ll focus in this session, and see not only that Jesus endured but ask how. And there’s a sneaky fourth personal example, Paul himself, in verse 17.<br /><br /></div><div>If we try to capture Paul’s essential structure in this chapter of exhortations and examples to a church newly encountering tensions within, perhaps it would go like this: pursue (1) unity in the gospel, (2) through humility in your minds, (3) learning foremost from Jesus’s enduring to the cross. So: unity in the gospel, through humility of mind, like Christ at the cross..."<br /><br />“...In pastoral ministry, unity, not conflict, is our long game. We’re not angling for conflict. We angle for real peace and unity in the gospel. Our calling is not to spoil the peace, but to pursue true peace, -even when- it requires tension and conflict to get there. At heart, pastors are peacemakers, not troublemakers. And we sometimes (if not often) discover trouble that regretfully requires more trouble, in order to pursue true unity and, in the end, have less trouble. But we don’t delight in trouble. Nor do we seek to add unnecessary trouble to the sad amount of necessary trouble we already have in this age. Rather, we delight to be unified in the gospel — and unity in the gospel is precious enough that we’re willing to endure intermediate tensions and conflicts along the path to peace and unity.<br /><br />Which presents us as pastors with countless needs and challenges for wisdom. We need to know when to handle challenges to gospel unity with one-time private conversations, and when to give trouble more extended private attention, and when to address trouble with public attention in some form, as in a sermon or sermon series, or in a congressional letter, or via church meetings.<br /><br />In other words, how much attention do we give to sin and error and for how long? These are some of the most difficult challenges in pastoral ministry. And this is why plurality in leadership is so important and precious. Alone, none of us makes such decisions perfectly. We need a team of brothers to help discern what challenges in our own congregation to unity in the truth are worthy of our attention, and how much attention, and for how long.<br /><br />And is this unity uniformity? Twice verse 2 says to be “of the same mind” and “of one mind.” We might call it like-mindedness, a shared perspective or cast of mind. It doesn’t mean sameness, that everybody believes all the same things about all the same things, but that at the heart, and in the end, there is a like-mindedness in what matters most..."</div><div><br /></div><div>"So, we are not afraid of relational tensions in ministry, and we check ourselves to make sure that our part in those tensions is owing to the long game of unity, not division, and especially those divisions that stem from selfish ambition and conceit….</div>ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-87277887388773650422023-12-02T10:13:00.000-08:002023-12-05T11:16:53.063-08:00On listening to and spreading gossip<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On listening to and spreading gossip- Satan, the archenemy of Christ, seeks to distract, discourage, divide, devour, and destroy the true church. One subtle way he divides the people of God is through the tongue. James 3:6, "The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ50ycgcmIcruevZCnxK3ZDOL8liQDiDCTio_YXyxKdKg_Sruj03UBQepLhS6E91WnOPX2Kh8M8bDv9pUmibNJG_4g79udwscDoZgqwXrjB9m9GOUjQYBw5d430anOC_eDanOpzZ_4d4G5ZCYz2iH7fMvZEPYsRp5yZpBLPq03cxkulaP_Dw4aqic0_P4/s675/Gossip-2023831257.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="675" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ50ycgcmIcruevZCnxK3ZDOL8liQDiDCTio_YXyxKdKg_Sruj03UBQepLhS6E91WnOPX2Kh8M8bDv9pUmibNJG_4g79udwscDoZgqwXrjB9m9GOUjQYBw5d430anOC_eDanOpzZ_4d4G5ZCYz2iH7fMvZEPYsRp5yZpBLPq03cxkulaP_Dw4aqic0_P4/w200-h133/Gossip-2023831257.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Word of God has much to say about gossip, slander,
and bearing false witness against one’s neighbor (Proverbs 6:16-19; Exodus 20:16).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pastor Mike Riccardi provides a helpful biblical
overview concerning these "respectable" sins and explains why
Scripture describes gossip and slander as </span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">serious</i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> transgressions against
God and man (James 3:9; Proverbs 17:4). I've expanded Pastor Mike's post turning
it into a full article. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">In effort to “keep
the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” we humbly ask that you prayerfully
consider the following biblical precepts. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Riccardi writes: "Scripture calls those who give
false testimony 'worthless’ (NASB, ESV) or 'vile' (1 Kings 21:10, 13). So also
the one who devises evil and spreads strife (Proverbs 6:12-14), and who digs up
evil (Proverbs 16:27). 'Worthless.' 'Vile.' <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Severe language in Scripture is reserved for
serious sins.<br />
<br />
It also calls the one who </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria Math",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Cambria Math";">𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
to gossip “an evildoer” and “a liar” (Proverbs 17:4).<br />
<br />
In a fallen world, it does seem unavoidable that there will be vile people who happily
publish (spread) hearsay in an attempt to stir up dissension and attract
attention to themselves. But it’s especially grieving to see so many who name
the name of Christ eat up the dainty morsels without a moment’s hesitation or
discretion. And even worse, to pass them along as if it were biblically
permissible to give them any consideration at all! Still worse: to treat them
as if they were settled fact!<br />
<br />
<i>Refusing to give heed to unsubstantiated claims is not optional, or some
application of advanced Christian maturity. It is a basic, ground-level
principle of Christian</i> <i>decency</i>."<br />
<br />
<u>You could call it Christianity 101 with respect to receiving reported
information</u>:<br />
<br />
1) <b><u>Should I involve myself in this conflict</u></b>? Proverbs 26:17
teaches, "Like someone who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who
rushes into a quarrel (conflict) not their own." Much wisdom from above is
needed before entering a battle zone. Prayerful consideration and sound
judgment are essential (Prov. 3:5-6).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">2) <b><u>Confirming facts via biblical
corroboration</u></b>. "In general, every matter is to be confirmed
by the mouth of two or three truthful witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew
18:15-16; 1 Timothy 5:17-19)." Sometimes you may not be in a
position to receive all the relevant facts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span> <br />
<br />
3) <b> <u>Proverbs 18:17, "Be careful, one seems right <i>until</i>
another comes and examines him."</u></b> <b><u>There’s often two
(or three) sides to a story/conflict/dispute</u>.</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">20+ years ago a pastor-professor told a seminary class
of a time when a neighbor lady came over during a family yard sale with bruises
on her wrists. This man and his wife were naturally very concerned. "What
happened to you? Are you ok?" Their neighbor went on to explain that her
husband was responsible. "Last night he grabbed me and hurt my
wrists!" This loving pastor quickly marched over to his unbelieving
neighbor's house believing he needed to courageously confront this tyrant of a
man. “Someone needs to hold this guy accountable for his actions.” But after
interacting with his neighbor he heard the complete story (Prov. 18:17).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He found out that this man's wife had been
drinking before this incident transpired. When the husband confronted his wife
over her drunkenness, she angrily came after him with two kitchen knives. When
his wife raised her right and left arms to stab him, the husband grabbed unto
her wrists, and did not let go until his wife dropped the kitchen knives. This
pastor apologized for sinfully rushing to judgment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then circled back to confirm that these
new details were true. The neighbor lady said, "Sadly, what my husband
shared is true." She then apologized for misleading them. She
also noted, “I'm actually very grateful my husband did not call the police.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had they, I would have been the one arrested.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
For another example of why applying Proverbs 18:17 and 26:17 is so important,
compare and contrast Netflix's, "<b>Making</b> a Murderer"
docuseries with the Daily Wire's, "<b>Convicting</b> a Murderer"
docuseries. Liberal, lesbian activists seemingly duped millions of Netflix
viewers into believing that Steven Avery was a good man. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A victim that was wrongly convicted of kidnap,
rape, and murder by a corrupt legal system. Once all of the pertinent
facts were presented many humbly admitted that they had drawn the wrong
conclusion. They wrongly assumed Netflix was presenting the evidence fairly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suffice it to say, if you do not have access to
the pertinent facts, it is difficult to draw just conclusions, especially
if/when it involves judging a fellow believer? <br />
<br />
In church disputes, there are generally three sides to a story: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1) Person 1 or group A; 2) Person 2
or group B; and 3) The position of your shepherd-leaders (1
Thess. 5:13-15). For many reasons, a believer must join a local church
that has biblically qualified, pastors and elders; (hence 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1:5f).
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s essential because these human shepherds
are called by God to serve as the “overseers” and human “guardians of the flock”
(Hebrews 13:17). <i>When moderating conflicts, church leaders often make difficult
decisions based on private information and facts that the entire church is not
privy to</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Malicious gossip and serious
slander sometimes forces leadership to share details that they’d rather not
trouble the entire congregation with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
4) <b><u>Be discerning and cautious before rendering judgment</u>. <u>
Proverbs 18:13, "To give an answer before you hear is folly and shame to
you."</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See points above.
Note Matthew 7:1-5.<br />
<br />
5) “<b><u>Do not associate with a gossip (Proverbs 20:9</u></b>)."
Puritan Thomas Watson said, "The scorpion carries poison in its tail, the
slanderer in his or her tongue."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pastor Riccardi concludes with some cautionary words
of wisdom- "Therefore, when someone makes disparaging claims about anyone
or anything without meeting the biblical standards of corroboration, that
person is displaying his own wickedness and discrediting his reputation. To
people of Christian character, such behavior should be like a blinking neon
sign that reads: Don’t take me seriously. I refuse to meet ground-level
standards of Christian behavior and speech.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Such a person has disqualified himself from being
taken seriously.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
when Christians of good conscience fail to do that—when they do lend credence
to unsubstantiated accusations and claims of secret knowledge—they culpably
(even if unknowingly) participate in the worthless man’s wickedness.<br />
<br />
But understand, dear brother or sister: to do this is to expose yourself—not
only as one who fails to grasp the basics of Christian conduct, but also as one
whom Scripture calls an evildoer and a liar (Proverbs 17:4).<br />
<br />
Why? Because with his </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria Math",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Cambria Math";">𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> the godless man </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria Math",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Cambria Math";">𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘺𝘴</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> his neighbor
(Proverbs 11:9).<br />
<br />
If a good name is to be more desired than great wealth (Prov 22:1), then
maliciously acting against someone’s good name—speaking </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria Math",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Cambria Math";">𝘰𝘳</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> listening—is to act against his very life
(Leviticus 19:16)."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Serious
sin that impacts the unity and health of the Body OR that unfairly destroys
someone’s good name, demands a serious, biblical response; (hence Titus 3:10;
Matthew 18:15-17; Proverbs 9:7-8; 17:4; 1 Cor. 5:11-13; Exodus 20:16).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br />ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-30119130224672585882023-10-06T11:06:00.003-07:002023-10-06T11:06:46.120-07:00Comfort Others with the Comfort You Have Received from the Lord.<p><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_xjiscqluLYN4k2jAQO0NiAVFtZovSh1FyOEvqSLUF6R8Fsf52GpJAJOVcuVN7bYgvxtzLyoCbyr2PBFuypeZcADP3YlcDMdh91fWfYBd4UfAhcFR_EIn0mXN80q-xf8LcNTDqsqH6LythWw6Iq1rl9J3x5k3zPvFtIy-_TyHwC0AOuZO1KRbiihpkQ/s960/pastors%20will%20and%20michael%20and%20pastor%20caleb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="705" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_xjiscqluLYN4k2jAQO0NiAVFtZovSh1FyOEvqSLUF6R8Fsf52GpJAJOVcuVN7bYgvxtzLyoCbyr2PBFuypeZcADP3YlcDMdh91fWfYBd4UfAhcFR_EIn0mXN80q-xf8LcNTDqsqH6LythWw6Iq1rl9J3x5k3zPvFtIy-_TyHwC0AOuZO1KRbiihpkQ/s320/pastors%20will%20and%20michael%20and%20pastor%20caleb.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>As a pastor of nearly 20 years, and as a pastor's kid, I know first hand that truly biblical, pastoral ministry is a highly, hazardous vocation. It's one reason why so many church leaders compromise (to save face) or leave the ministry altogether. The way many faithful shepherds are treated by professing Christians is a source of much sorrow and grief (read 2 Corinthians). I am currently blessed to pastor a wonderfully loving, biblical flock (such is <b>Lake Country Bible Church</b>)! With that said, it is a special joy and honor to come alongside these two (faithful) pastors, from different states, to encourage them in the Lord. The Lord knows, sees, and will reward faithful shepherd-expositors like Pastor Michael and Pastor Will. 1 Peter 5:4, "When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory." Press on brother-shepherds in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ!<p></p>1 Thess. 5:12-13. "But we request of you, brothers and sisters, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another."<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TXQZg9dcqi-Dx88VHKTJEX9b66LZ7p5xqqTDf7kXk0eL4DR0CN5APaEsM2BqlIj1aHq8RmnrROzTmZWpIEy4B-EY_U1X4NpibrvY5ceioey7OKjeJcnqBs-NqAf3LqlR0VBr0CDyaUUnApbxyxoZcS046EwBr0PTZ-n1MLvrR9-PClQByNRaVgtuZkk/s960/pastor%20will%20and%20kolstad%20family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="960" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TXQZg9dcqi-Dx88VHKTJEX9b66LZ7p5xqqTDf7kXk0eL4DR0CN5APaEsM2BqlIj1aHq8RmnrROzTmZWpIEy4B-EY_U1X4NpibrvY5ceioey7OKjeJcnqBs-NqAf3LqlR0VBr0CDyaUUnApbxyxoZcS046EwBr0PTZ-n1MLvrR9-PClQByNRaVgtuZkk/s320/pastor%20will%20and%20kolstad%20family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>2 Corinthians 1:3-12, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ abound to us, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. But whether we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or whether we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is working in your perseverance in the same sufferings which we also suffer. And our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even to live. Indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not have confidence in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who rescued us from so great a peril of death, and will rescue us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet rescue us, you also joining in helping us through your prayers on our behalf, so that thanks may be given on our behalf by many persons for the gracious gift bestowed on us through the prayers of many. For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tCvyh65KdR7pmTUj-Ja8TIVzyOb1s3OsQczllwUtlK4ETWN7W6rXcfM0KiDyMu070ZS2WuzIno8z0QKG6oMfLOkUvG6yBcxVI-wVFqGrl5ClVCLfw6V_Smlli3juj43fABW0F-DUAvzCWbA6Q3kn1T_RObT5_8vBPK4P7zq7F9BTUSNAKQpmubzpiH8/s653/D.%20Min%20picture%20Caleb%20with%20Lawson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="653" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tCvyh65KdR7pmTUj-Ja8TIVzyOb1s3OsQczllwUtlK4ETWN7W6rXcfM0KiDyMu070ZS2WuzIno8z0QKG6oMfLOkUvG6yBcxVI-wVFqGrl5ClVCLfw6V_Smlli3juj43fABW0F-DUAvzCWbA6Q3kn1T_RObT5_8vBPK4P7zq7F9BTUSNAKQpmubzpiH8/s320/D.%20Min%20picture%20Caleb%20with%20Lawson.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I am most grateful for faithful men who encouraged me during particularly difficult and painful seasons of ministry. It is my heart's desire to extend such love and care to fellow shepherds who are hurting. It's one reason why I agreed to serve as a regional leader within<i> the Master's Fellowship</i>.</div>ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-82670826573504255152023-05-11T14:32:00.008-07:002023-05-11T15:16:46.194-07:00Pastor John MacArthur: Longtime Pastor, Mentor, and Friend!<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1kLonLNRjdkUyVEvHxmkuEKGFASJFZUrrs298riCy235B4NHW4ZwDQeOfYxsTpEu9UPofoJ8Fp4_BFvQPKdnpbkkhF08D0flDzHdhBkpYlH7VhCyO-EOvybvzdn1oLC8_V57JP6-1xwE8coFFCJEiY5Al1N3N9VoUuDpZGwSeulkaotWRNEWA-eE/s2048/MacArthur%20picture%20and%20note%20main%20lead%20picture.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1586" data-original-width="2048" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1kLonLNRjdkUyVEvHxmkuEKGFASJFZUrrs298riCy235B4NHW4ZwDQeOfYxsTpEu9UPofoJ8Fp4_BFvQPKdnpbkkhF08D0flDzHdhBkpYlH7VhCyO-EOvybvzdn1oLC8_V57JP6-1xwE8coFFCJEiY5Al1N3N9VoUuDpZGwSeulkaotWRNEWA-eE/w400-h310/MacArthur%20picture%20and%20note%20main%20lead%20picture.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">“<b>Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the Word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith</b>” (Hebrews 13:7). “<b>Imitate me,</b> (in so much) <b>as I imitate Christ</b>.” The Apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 11:1. </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When it comes to ministry mentors and pastoral role-models:
Choose wisely!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For “the student is not above
the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.”
Jesus, Luke 6:40.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiTk2KTZcO1i91P8D1AckYGxUd2EobBAJb8_9_cvJ_UzV0NlPSPTWUjJcaveYYENMnebAjJwaWqEhFinx3VwdaPF08k-1L7Gs0yrpzS7zyeW-KWdLNzhA1RRUyTlHSQAbUkagKfpk2LRzuC3T9FAxpoQwT-Ulqe-j75imRObz9FuCf8Wl44XPJIhE/s162/John%20MacArthur%20biography%20picture.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="100" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiTk2KTZcO1i91P8D1AckYGxUd2EobBAJb8_9_cvJ_UzV0NlPSPTWUjJcaveYYENMnebAjJwaWqEhFinx3VwdaPF08k-1L7Gs0yrpzS7zyeW-KWdLNzhA1RRUyTlHSQAbUkagKfpk2LRzuC3T9FAxpoQwT-Ulqe-j75imRObz9FuCf8Wl44XPJIhE/s1600/John%20MacArthur%20biography%20picture.jpg" width="100" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Dr. John MacArthur became my pastor in 1991.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still consider him to be my primary ministry mentor,
my faithful shepherd, and my humble friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pastor John has been the lead shepherd at Grace Community Church steadily leading the same flock for over fifty years now; (he began his ministry at GCC in 1969)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my entire family moved from Wisconsin
Rapids to Los Angeles in the early 90’s, little did I know the impact Pastor
John MacArthur would have on my life, my wife/family, and on my own future
pastoral ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How could I? Seeing
I was not genuinely converted until Jr. High (and only God knows the future).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking back, one of the greatest privileges
in my life was growing up at Grace Community Church, sitting under the expository
preaching ministry of John MacArthur, and attending the Master’s University and
Seminary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here I learned the in’s and
out’s of biblical Christianity and the ABC’s of pastoral ministry and expository preaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this faithful church, under this faithful
preacher, everything my Christian parents taught me from Scripture was reinforced and fortified (2 Timothy 3:15-4:5).</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNp0-4j_xSF5O2wvIFMHIOviqPPYxuVl1tScSCMPVtrEv8-IugbNC_QX-6Tv3Yvau0cJqG9NkSfPcGg1K3k4kZS5DiDPydMi_M21RJ6zVsVwmYy9LLGPXJiKVOFmbFvzaMeWT1EH2WGoBL8OQS3bUeZOG7khz--KDIsLv9SPe3YYgfVB7K63aW_OvY/s2048/John%20and%20Pat%20over%20for%20dinner.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNp0-4j_xSF5O2wvIFMHIOviqPPYxuVl1tScSCMPVtrEv8-IugbNC_QX-6Tv3Yvau0cJqG9NkSfPcGg1K3k4kZS5DiDPydMi_M21RJ6zVsVwmYy9LLGPXJiKVOFmbFvzaMeWT1EH2WGoBL8OQS3bUeZOG7khz--KDIsLv9SPe3YYgfVB7K63aW_OvY/s320/John%20and%20Pat%20over%20for%20dinner.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Over the past thirty years I have corresponded back
and forth with Pastor MacArthur often via handwritten letters. Despite an unbelievably demanding ministry
schedule, Pastor John has always taken time to write me back (albeit sometimes
through his church secretary). As a child/teenager
many of my chicken scratch notes included "difficult" bible questions, such as, “Pastor, how
do you explain the discrepancies with regard to numbers recorded in the same
bible verse in different bible translations?”
“Dear Pastor John, if God is absolutely sovereign, how do we reconcile ____.” After many gracious and thoroughly biblical responses I realized that
it was unlikely that I would be able to stump (my) Pastor John. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_J9n_T3Fkw39krG3GGdApyUrrxG1ymgk2DskeM6N2QvvA9suP_aOA-1qmQEm0I31__xHw5FjFw5H4urvcUW5yjvCNdzCs3lU4uXLXGY3vQoqOHwpItQ_X3TTTf_vCLrVn2gr6ClZZLMezB1yCJKIxRuL_NVNnO6dycmqbmMb8W1BqlN5VkUpWpZb/s1598/John%20MacArthur%20handwritten%20letter%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1598" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_J9n_T3Fkw39krG3GGdApyUrrxG1ymgk2DskeM6N2QvvA9suP_aOA-1qmQEm0I31__xHw5FjFw5H4urvcUW5yjvCNdzCs3lU4uXLXGY3vQoqOHwpItQ_X3TTTf_vCLrVn2gr6ClZZLMezB1yCJKIxRuL_NVNnO6dycmqbmMb8W1BqlN5VkUpWpZb/w640-h256/John%20MacArthur%20handwritten%20letter%201.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br />In the 90’s my (pastor) father had the privilege of
serving as missions/outreach pastor (while attending seminary) and I had the honor of
serving as a deacon (a decade or so later).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>During college, when the Lord changed my career trajectory from sports broadcasting
to pastoral ministry/preaching, my love and appreciation for Pastor John
MacArthur increased a hundred-fold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
was now not only my favorite preacher, he was also a ministry hero in the
faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Like Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Pastor John was a lion in the pulpit and a lamb outside of it when interacting with his beloved congregation. </span>As I was able to see him live out
his faith in private (doing life with his children and grandchildren) my respect
for him only grew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Like my own father, he was the same godly man at home as he was behind the pulpit.</span></span><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDgK9ela_HBGkiIU9SfR7ctFvaa8GipL-w2qjlQ75mDQcYhpR577v5my8w_MTuLSY5-8BvaE3ruvX-1EgrqMKn_x5ah67CurHYujobzTwhVWCRvhIlUPQLkNdnqCwjxnmUqDzYTXimPy3Zmk1LgEXYyXTeW7lvzlW_jkrHfEfCBbu0vftAPFPov9V/s960/letter%20written%20from%20pastor%20john%2001.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="960" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDgK9ela_HBGkiIU9SfR7ctFvaa8GipL-w2qjlQ75mDQcYhpR577v5my8w_MTuLSY5-8BvaE3ruvX-1EgrqMKn_x5ah67CurHYujobzTwhVWCRvhIlUPQLkNdnqCwjxnmUqDzYTXimPy3Zmk1LgEXYyXTeW7lvzlW_jkrHfEfCBbu0vftAPFPov9V/s320/letter%20written%20from%20pastor%20john%2001.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">One of the most memorable highlights of our married life is
when Pastor John and Patricia visited our 1-bedroom dorm apartment (see picture above) for dinner before
I graduated from seminary and moved to the Midwest to pastor a local church. </span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Suffice it to say, no “jar of clay” has had a greater
impact on my pulpit ministry, my theological convictions, and my (biblical) philosophy
of ministry than Pastor John MacArthur.
This partially explains why Andrea and I named our son Jude MacArthur Kolstad. </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4VjwXHB4Q3WZysBxa-y3gO3xuy7heLb_0TXJ5outqCcGMs8M0oN2OOuukJzN6RfEqSLBbH2nptZ_z9u8Dj1MI2iqw-TMtG2LxDsDlW2yNoNDBZ7f2MTeylFDWwCm22tReun0hWA-RJ924YeC943AV3fluE8mgR4LOOZ6OnE8EqBIjWgWACjBRu23/s960/D%20min%20student%20me%20listening%20to%20Pastor%20John.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="960" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4VjwXHB4Q3WZysBxa-y3gO3xuy7heLb_0TXJ5outqCcGMs8M0oN2OOuukJzN6RfEqSLBbH2nptZ_z9u8Dj1MI2iqw-TMtG2LxDsDlW2yNoNDBZ7f2MTeylFDWwCm22tReun0hWA-RJ924YeC943AV3fluE8mgR4LOOZ6OnE8EqBIjWgWACjBRu23/s320/D%20min%20student%20me%20listening%20to%20Pastor%20John.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Many people who find/visit Lake County Bible Church do
so via the Master’s Seminary <i>church finder</i> or by calling “<i>Grace to You</i>.” It is a tremendous stewardship and honor to
receive referrals from any of Pastor John’s ministry volunteers and pastors/professors (1 Corinthians
4:2; 1 Peter 4:11). To be called a "Master's man" is a great privilege and a great responsibility.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMlNCu9rExNnxm7kNaXyf3ernXlbUjc2r7RJsSCIqGVwoVjpouz1eAcKmdmEfRznG1J7EEiv3jmxSKOoa5eu-vQUni6l9S3iQzuGj43XAEyvoD2Jeu81xveOoUrpiH11T6cURcbDhc6vubl41FoH6gfMIfYYc2MzUnj0o6VUUZjjZP6ISNN1qrt7x/s960/letters%20written%20from%20Pastor%20John%203.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="878" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMlNCu9rExNnxm7kNaXyf3ernXlbUjc2r7RJsSCIqGVwoVjpouz1eAcKmdmEfRznG1J7EEiv3jmxSKOoa5eu-vQUni6l9S3iQzuGj43XAEyvoD2Jeu81xveOoUrpiH11T6cURcbDhc6vubl41FoH6gfMIfYYc2MzUnj0o6VUUZjjZP6ISNN1qrt7x/s320/letters%20written%20from%20Pastor%20John%203.jpg" width="293" /></span></a></div> <span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">In view of the massive influence of The Master’s Seminary/University
and Pastor John MacArthur on me (and all of our pastors) we believe it is quite
fitting to highlight this special relationship on my ministry blog page and church website.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Included are a few of my favorite memories/pictures with Pastor Joh</b>n; (unfortunately I did not save any letters from my childhood/teen years).</span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ShlyZXiWQ1TALiXvwFcvbUeSUrKAJoMhCt6Txwo6Hsr567X-OFgZ_1m8Ut_MSz2FQGMeXRzIPOCHPp6ew236KXS1Pd8BtB1ZsEZfSe6_fOBmDzgPUufOL5zMDdQG7rzRJjqmrnUWtipw6Pp8F7Hz8rkHWWsjafOO8w0v9McVk6c5vEkB73ZWuybB/s960/MacArthur%20and%20me%20tmu%20and%20tms%20graduation%202.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: times; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="960" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ShlyZXiWQ1TALiXvwFcvbUeSUrKAJoMhCt6Txwo6Hsr567X-OFgZ_1m8Ut_MSz2FQGMeXRzIPOCHPp6ew236KXS1Pd8BtB1ZsEZfSe6_fOBmDzgPUufOL5zMDdQG7rzRJjqmrnUWtipw6Pp8F7Hz8rkHWWsjafOO8w0v9McVk6c5vEkB73ZWuybB/s320/MacArthur%20and%20me%20tmu%20and%20tms%20graduation%202.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiKDFcoZOCyX-q4FUsKaXt8qFL1ldaZYCP_aROMYy_m7nbN3W8VWeH8wViq69LGsF7hX4jzaBXU24egmngeH2iNau1KBhR9FD8nn4AyjNKVcuyWuTUKRElqIMve1506salQKMH9IfbwRX22LXhZr0o5DwY9-CGJICeKwhlDNRdzWsuuDNxbPOAqMl/s2048/MacArthur%20and%20family%20graduation.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2006" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiKDFcoZOCyX-q4FUsKaXt8qFL1ldaZYCP_aROMYy_m7nbN3W8VWeH8wViq69LGsF7hX4jzaBXU24egmngeH2iNau1KBhR9FD8nn4AyjNKVcuyWuTUKRElqIMve1506salQKMH9IfbwRX22LXhZr0o5DwY9-CGJICeKwhlDNRdzWsuuDNxbPOAqMl/s320/MacArthur%20and%20family%20graduation.jpg" width="313" /></span></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTm8JVKxBArk9TMTdodURk8guKjmn1ZS71i4aY4mG2SgPJ4VyXKoQpaeoHQ3nzQC-XCnA9fx17heZNrlUhPSRVFdfsa1qFRVFcBEKYZxi3k6Pj7xdoLrjLzWOasHU7VAfjMKYLzg-GPAxTunhN7riaZ484C8FvhHaYQe-ozN33_isTSab48KGKzzi/s662/MacArthur%20and%20me%20D.%20Min%20graduation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="662" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTm8JVKxBArk9TMTdodURk8guKjmn1ZS71i4aY4mG2SgPJ4VyXKoQpaeoHQ3nzQC-XCnA9fx17heZNrlUhPSRVFdfsa1qFRVFcBEKYZxi3k6Pj7xdoLrjLzWOasHU7VAfjMKYLzg-GPAxTunhN7riaZ484C8FvhHaYQe-ozN33_isTSab48KGKzzi/s320/MacArthur%20and%20me%20D.%20Min%20graduation.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div>ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-44902407802623402222022-01-19T12:16:00.000-08:002022-01-19T12:16:39.491-08:00Ruth Series: How is God at Work When Times Are Really, Really Hard? <p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLGHxPrbl6B4xZLUmkr8Y4GftMgM1uATDtSaBMeT8YxIhU3qfLQbBHjAogVZf8YlXu0olseJIuf7ITzsKWDb4Otfben6MpuhQjtTyANRv1EQ8Ixn8mUubpV0-iblKIXaH_5zNjx6FmKijjqbSf4B2he2FoumMMDBOXlcmDIRR5VQ3uEsNGiqTpD0SN=s960" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLGHxPrbl6B4xZLUmkr8Y4GftMgM1uATDtSaBMeT8YxIhU3qfLQbBHjAogVZf8YlXu0olseJIuf7ITzsKWDb4Otfben6MpuhQjtTyANRv1EQ8Ixn8mUubpV0-iblKIXaH_5zNjx6FmKijjqbSf4B2he2FoumMMDBOXlcmDIRR5VQ3uEsNGiqTpD0SN=s320" width="240" /></a></i></span></b></div><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i><br />Ruth (Covid 19) Sermon Series</i>: <i>From Famine to Fulness!</i></span></b><p></p><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">How Ruth speaks to the issues and trials in our own day.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">A verse-by-verse study at Lake Country Bible Church (2020) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Losing Everything: How is God at Work When Times Are
Really, Really Hard</b>? (Part 1) <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200329_RuthFinal.mp3">[Audio]</a> <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200329_Ruth.pdf">[Notes]</a> 3/29/20</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>God’s Steadfast Love and the Gift of Godly Friendship During Famines, Funerals,
and Covid Pandemics</b> (Part 2) <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200405_RuthFinal.mp3">[Audio]</a> <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/20200405_Ruth.pdf">[Notes]</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>
Even in the Darkest of Nights, God is Mightily at Work!</b> (Part 3) <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200419_RuthFinal.mp3">[Audio]</a> <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/20200419_Ruth.pdf">[Notes]</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>
Sin and Judgment and Lovingkindness and Mercy!</b> (Part 4) <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200426_RuthFinal.mp3">[Audio]</a> <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/20200426_Ruth.pdf">[Notes]</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>
God’s Providential Mercies and Steadfast Love for Israel and Beyond</b>! (Part
5) <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200503_RuthFinal.mp3">[Audio]</a> <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/20200503_Ruth.pdf">[Notes]</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>
A Tale of Two Widows: Bitter and Broken Versus Broken and Believing</b> (Part
6) <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200510_RuthFinal.mp3">[Audio]</a> <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/20200510_Ruth.pdf">[Notes]</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>
The Providential Provision and Protection of the LORD!</b> (Part
7) <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200517_RuthFinal.mp3">[Audio]</a> <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/20200517_Ruth.pdf">[Notes]</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>
A Man After God’s Own Heart is Godly and Generous. </b>(Part 8) <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200524_RuthFinal.mp3">[Audio]</a> <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/20200524_Ruth.pdf">[Notes]</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>
A Man After God’s Own Heart is Strong and Kind</b> (Part 9) <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200531_RuthFinal.mp3">[Audio]</a> <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/20200531_Ruth.pdf">[Notes]</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>
The Ideal and Virtuous Believer </b>(Part 10) <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200607_Ruth.mp3">[Audio]</a> <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200607_Ruth.pdf">[Notes]</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>
A Total Turn Around of Perspective</b> (Part 11) <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200614_Ruth.mp3">[Audio]</a> <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200614_Ruth.pdf">[Notes]</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>
Matchmaker! Matchmaker! Naomi’s Masterplan</b>. (Part 12) <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200621_Ruth.mp3">[Audio]</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>
A Midnight Heart to Heart on the Threshing Floor.</b> (Part 13) <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200628_Ruth.mp3">[Audio]</a> <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200628_Ruth.pdf">[Notes]</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>
The Day of Days and Night of Nights</b>. (Part 14) <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200705_Ruth.mp3">[Audio]</a> <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200705_Ruth-1.pdf">[Notes]</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>
All’s Well That Ends Well!</b> (Part 15) <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200719_Ruth.mp3">[Audio]</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>
A Kinsman Redeemer to the Rescue</b> (Part 16) <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200726_Ruth.mp3">[Audio]</a> <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200726_Ruth.pdf">[Notes]</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>
Countless Blessings, Answered Prayers, and Corporate Worship.</b> (Part
17) <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200726_Ruth.mp3">[Audio]</a> <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/20200802_Ruth.pdf">[Notes]</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>
The Scandalous and Wonderful Grace of God</b> (Part 18) <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/20200809_Ruth.mp3">[Audio]</a> <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/20200809_Ruth.pdf">[Notes]</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>
Needed: A Righteous King and a Gracious Redeemer</b> (Part 19) <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/20200816_Ruth.mp3">[Audio]</a> <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/20200816_Ruth.pdf">[Notes]</a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>
Why So Many Boring, Irrelevant, and Tedious Genealogies?</b> <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">(Part 20)</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/20200823_Ruth.mp3">[Audio]</a> <a href="https://www.lakecountrybible.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/20200823_Ruth.pdf">[Notes]</a>; preached on 8/19/20.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-12017849264531015312020-01-02T10:46:00.000-08:002020-01-02T12:51:12.328-08:00Letting God's Word Do Its Work Among God's People<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RTvo8zvDS5yneOkrCkwFHc5sFEgjRo-ow1uKHq6nvDOr_GJenpLO1_jxho700KjDnGcO0hwXtH58QK-bYRXwFmtvzuKo13hyphenhyphenuCQtIY4jwc3o336VDI3IP9mxzrKkzOQLQS2j8wyDp88/s1600/the+Word+did+it+all.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RTvo8zvDS5yneOkrCkwFHc5sFEgjRo-ow1uKHq6nvDOr_GJenpLO1_jxho700KjDnGcO0hwXtH58QK-bYRXwFmtvzuKo13hyphenhyphenuCQtIY4jwc3o336VDI3IP9mxzrKkzOQLQS2j8wyDp88/s400/the+Word+did+it+all.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Happy New Year! As we launch into 2020 I have the great privilege of preaching my 125th Sunday morning sermon since taking over as the Senior Pastor at <i><a href="http://www.lakecountrybible.org/" target="_blank">Lake Country Bible Church</a></i> in June of 2017. My family and I have been overwhelmed with gratitude as we consider how blessed we have been since moving to Nashotah, Wisconsin. This congregation loves God's Word, the Lord Jesus Christ, the lost, and one another greatly! Lake Country Bible is a very special church family and we are so blessed to be part of what God is doing here. To Him be the glory, honor and praise! <br />
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Since assuming the lead teaching role within this church, I have done my best to preach sermons that are Text-driven (2 Tim. 2:15/4:1-2), Spirit-filled, and contagiously worshipful (AKA-"expository exultation"). <br />
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In this vein, I have worked hard (per Ezra 7:10) to "declare the full counsel of God" (per Acts 20:27-28). During corporate worship I have exposited a number of Old Testament passages, such as: Genesis 1-2; 12:1-4; 15; Exodus 18:13-27; 2 Samuel 7; Psalm 100; Hosea 3; Isaiah 7:1-16. Other gifted teachers in other contexts have taught through Joshua, the Psalms, and the Minor Prophets, Galatians, 1 Peter, and 1 John. <br />
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I have also carefully walked through a number of New Testament texts with the congregation, including: Matthew 1:18-23; 24:29-51, 25:31-46; Luke 1:5-66; 13:34-35; 19:11-44; 23:34; Romans 11:13-36; 13:1-7; 1 Corinthians 3:1-7; 16-17; 11:1-16; 15:1-19; Galatians 3:13-14, 29; Ephesians 6:1-4; Philippians 4:2-3; Colossians 1:28-29; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 4:13-14; 2 Timothy 2:15; Titus 2:1-15; Hebrews 6:11-19; 11:10; 13:17; 1 Peter 2:1-3; 5:1-5; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Jude 22-23; Revelation 5:9-14; 14:6-11; 19:1-22:21. <br />
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We have also considered a few overview messages of the Gospel of John, Acts, Colossians 1-2; and Revelation 6-18. <br />
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We have looked at the Great Covenants of the Bible; what the Word of God really teaches concerning Mary and Roman Catholic outreach; we have considered Paul's inspired "Philosophy of Ministry" statement, and have had special Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas themed expositions. We have studied what the prophesied future holds (the future Tribulation, the coming Kingdom of Christ, the glories of heaven, the agonies of hell, the delights of the New Jerusalem, etc). This past summer we spent many months seeking to establish a robustly biblical shepherdology, sheepology, and ecclessiology (the doctrine of the church) before starting our Gospel of John series. <br />
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During the Sunday School hour I provided a detailed overview of what the Old and New Testament Scriptures teach concerning "Biblical Manhood and Womanhood," as well as addressing the (now) controversial subject of gender and sexuality. I also had an opportunity to teach some sessions on "the Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life;" (how to mature in the Christian faith). <br />
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During Wednesday nights I taught a special summer series in 2018 on "the Plight of Israel: a Historical, Biblical, and Theological study." <br />
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In the spirit of 2 Timothy 2:2, one of my favorite ministry roles has been to guide our men's leadership training and discipleship ministry. Over the past 2 1/2 years 50+ men have studied/discussed a number of subjects/doctrines and have read many helpful books. As “iron sharpens iron” so one brother has helped equip another. <br />
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I have also enjoyed providing pre-marital, marriage/family counseling, and discipleship. <b>The one constant in all of these ministries is the inerrant, infallible, and sufficient Word of God. Everything this local church does is grounded in the timeless truths of Scripture. </b><br />
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During the Protestant Reformation one of the chief leaders made a humble and profound observation- that is equally true of my pastoral ministry. I close with this quotation: "<b>I/we simply taught, preached, wrote God's Word, otherwise I did nothing; the Word did it all...I did nothing; I left it to the Word.</b>..!" <br />
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<b><u>Ephesians 3:20-21</u></b>; <i>Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen</i>. <br />
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<b><u>Colossians 1:28-29</u></b>; <i>We proclaim Him (Christ), admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me</i>. <br />
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Together for the Gospel, <br />
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Pastor Caleb Kolstadckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-72352297269619331462019-10-04T09:55:00.002-07:002019-10-04T09:55:44.661-07:00The Shepherd as Theologian: Accurately Interpreting and Applying God's Word for God's People<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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“No profession in the world suffers more from a serious lack of clarity, when it comes to the basic requirements of the job, as the pastorate/eldership. Everyone but pastors seem to know what their job is. In fact, if we are honest, clergy malpractice goes on everywhere, all the time. It is ubiquitous. It is pandemic. There is widespread confusion about what it means to be a pastor/church leader, and widespread indifference to biblical duties. As a result, the church has no concept of what the pastor is to be or do. One thing is clear. Most pastors have no interest in being theologians, nor do their congregations expect them to be. The devolution of theology and biblical scholarship as a serious matter for Christians can be traced back to the absence of doctrine and careful biblical scholarship from the pulpit. This is a dereliction of duty. This is clergy malpractice. The pastorate is no longer an intellectual calling, and no longer do pastors/elders provide serious intellectual leadership. Instead today’s pastors merely manage programs. They give uplifting talks, apply culturally invented principles, and put their energy into everything but biblical scholarship- everything but an intense study of the text, which yield sound doctrine.” All of this contradicts the clear direction of the New Testament Scriptures (note 2 Timothy 1:14; 2:1-2, 15; 4:1-5; Jude 3). <div>
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From John MacArthur's book- <i>The Shepherd as Theologian.</i><div>
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ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-74809206528900591322019-10-04T09:53:00.002-07:002019-10-04T09:53:32.152-07:00The Shepherd as Theologian: Resurrecting an Ancient Vision<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="9u1bt" data-offset-key="bk8s7-0-0">
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The Evangelical Church in America is, by in large, "a mile wide and an inch deep" yet relatively few seem to notice or even care. What does the God of the Word think of this trend? "By New Testament standards, pastors/elders are, whether they like it or not, the appointed theological leaders of the church; the theological integrity of the church will seldom ever rise above its pastors/leaders, no matter how astute the local university's religion department. And insofar as pastors have largely lost their ability to provide theological leadership, and indeed no longer see doing so as part of their vocation, the theological integrity of our congregations has suffered considerably. But most significantly, as an inevitable consequence, with the collapse of theological integrity in our churches, a corresponding erosion of ethical integrity has followed (for examples- note Galatians, 1 Corinthians, and James)... Correct understanding can't get us all the way there, but wrong understanding is often all that is needed to shipwreck one's faith. And it is the pastor's sacred duty, above all others, to guard the theological integrity of the people of God." Hiestand- (see Titus 1:5-11; 2:1, 15; 3:1, 8; 1 Timothy 1:5-11, 18-20; 3:1-2; 4:13-16; 5:7; 17-18; 6:2-5; to name but a few proof texts). <br /><br />Pastors/elders must also shepherd, lead, oversee, and care for the spiritual needs of the flock BUT never at the expense of fulfilling the God-ordained role of being a shepherd-theologian within the local church. <br /><br />Join us Sunday at <b><a href="http://www.lakecountrybible.org/" target="_blank">Lake Country Bible Church</a></b> as we consider "The Anatomy of a Biblical Church" and specifically address the role theology/doctrine plays in the maturation process of ordinary believers (Ephesians 4:11-16)<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div>
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ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-7230840157672560672019-10-04T09:49:00.001-07:002019-10-04T09:49:40.456-07:00Why Do Pastors and Elders Need to be Biblical Scholars?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"We must NOT make the mistake of making evangelism the enemy of theology or discipleship the enemy of edifying scholarship... Historically, pastors were as 'comfortable with books and learning as with the aches/pains of the soul.' Elders/pastors are called to be both shepherds and theologians! <div>
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But Why?<br /><br />Right thinking about God exists to serve right feelings for God. Logic exists for the sake of love. Christian zeal must be according to biblical knowledge (Romans 10:1-2)... Thinking hard about biblical truth is the means through which the Holy Spirit opens us to the truth (2 Tim. 2:15)... The great commandment of Loving God includes our minds. Truth received through the mind stirs the religious affections of Spirit-filled saints!<br /><br />Paul reasoned with his unsaved audience in Acts 17 and he regularly employed rhetorical questions in his inspired epistles (1 Cor. 6:2, 9, 15, 19). He assumed that believers would use their minds in effort to think biblically about something. Jesus utilizes/assumes logic in Luke 12:54-27... <br /><br />2 Cor. 4:2- I want to to be this kind of preacher. I want to stand before God on the last day (2 Tim. 4:1) and say, "I did my all to be faithful and let people think of me what they wanted to think. I don't want to be the kind of pastor who's always watching what people are going to say and then governing what comes out of his mouth by what people are going to say...."<br /><br />2 Tim. 2:15- It takes hard mental work to rightly handle the Word of God. Don't let anybody ever tell you that hard mental work is unspiritual. We are using our minds to understand God's Word, and we are depending in prayer upon the Holy Spirit to guide our minds... Reading a substantial book is hard mental work. Such is true of the infallible Word of God! (2 Peter 3:16f).<a name='more'></a><br /><br />Since our faith is rooted in the understanding of a Book, we want people to learn how to read, and then to have the Bible in their language, and to learn how to think carefully and doctrinally about the Book (of books).<br /><br />If I am scholarly, it is not in any sense because I try to stay on the cutting edge in the discipline of biblical and theological studies. I am far too limited/busy for that. What 'scholarly' would mean for me is that the greatest object of knowledge is God and that He has revealed Himself authoritatively in a book; and that I should work with all my might and all my heart and all my soul and all my mind to know and enjoy Him and to make Him known for the joy of others. Surely this is the goal of EVERY pastor/elder!" </div>
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Select quotes by John Piper and D.A. Carson from the book "The Pastor as Scholar and the Scholar as Pastor."</div>
ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-15620049579030432562019-10-03T15:55:00.002-07:002019-10-03T15:55:15.793-07:00The Master's Plan for the Church sermon series at Lake Country Bible Church<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Master's Plan for the Church</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Sermon 1 (5/26/19)- <b><i>By Whose Authority? How Jesus Governs the
Universe.</i></b><br />
Romans 13; Eph. 6; Heb. 13:17<br />
<br />
Sermon 2 (6/2/19)- <b><i>By Whose Authority? How Jesus Runs the
Church.</i></b><br />
Selected Scriptures.<br />
<br />
Sermon 3 (6/9/19)- <b><i>The Biblical, Historical, and Apostolic Precedent
of Elder-led Churches</i></b><br />
Acts 1-28 and Selected Scriptures.<br />
<br />
Sermon 4 (6/16/19)- <b><i><u>Sheep</u>ology 101: Embracing the Good Shepherd's
Plan for My Life and His Church. </i></b><br />
Selected Scriptures<br />
<br />
Sermon 5 (6/23/19)- <b><i><u>Sheep</u>ology 101: Embracing the Good
Shepherd's Plan for My Life and His Church. Part 2</i></b><br />
Selected Scriptures<br />
<br />
Sermon 6 (6/30/19)- "<b><i>You Cannot Do it Alone!" Why Every Church
Needs Multiple Shepherds</i></b><br />
Exodus 18:13-27; 1 Peter 5:1-4<br />
<br />
Sermon 7 (7/7/19)- <b><i>The Elder's Mandate: Shepherd the Flock of
God Among You</i></b><br />
1 Peter 5:1-5 (pt. 1)<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" name="more"></a><br />
Sermon 8 (7/21/19)- <b><i>The In's and Out's of Biblical Soul Care</i></b><br />
1 Peter 5:1-5, Selected Scriptures (pt. 2)<br />
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Sermon 9 (8/4/19)- <b><i>Shepherds After God's Own Heart</i></b><br />
1 Peter 5:1-5 (pt. 3)<br />
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Sermon 10 (8/11/19)- <b><i>Lead (by Example), Follow, or Get Out of the Way!</i></b><br />
1 Peter 5:1-5 (pt. 4)<br />
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Sermon 11 (8/18/19)- <b><i>Christ Rewards the Faithful: Great Our Reward
Shall Be!</i></b><br />
1 Peter 5:1-5 (pt. 5)<br />
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Sermon 12 (8/25/19)- <b><i>I Want to Serve But I'm Not Worthy (Not so
Fast)!</i></b><br />
Selected Scriptures<br />
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Sermon 13 (9/1/19)- <b><i>You Know That So and So's Biblically Qualified
IF _______________</i></b><br />
1 Timothy 3:1-7 (pt. 1)<br />
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Sermon 14 (9/8/19)- <b><i>Ministry Must Have's: Spiritual Maturity and
Exemplary Character</i></b><br />
1 Timothy 3:1-7 (pt. 2)<br />
<br />
Sermon 15 (9/15/19)- </span><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Why Church
Members (Sometimes) Need Biblical Overseers Looking Over Their Shoulder</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">?</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Selected Scriptures<br />
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Sermon 16 (9/22/19)- The <b><i>Attitudes <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and Actions of a Godly Congregation</i></b><br />
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sermon
17 (9/29/19)- <b><i>The Purposeful Prioritization of Biblical Instruction in
the Life of the Church</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">1
Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Timothy 4:13-14; Selected Scriptures<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sermon
18 (10/6/19)- <b><i>The Anatomy of a Biblical Church: Theology Matters!</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Selected
Scriptures (pt. 1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sermon
19 (10/20/19)- <b><i>The Anatomy of a Biblical Church Leader</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Selected
Scriptures (pt. 2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Sermons are available for free at <b><a href="http://www.lakecountrybible.org/" target="_blank">www.lakecountrybible.org</a></b>ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-64970834410523900552019-09-13T12:17:00.001-07:002019-09-13T12:50:45.695-07:00How Jesus Runs His Church (The Master's Plan for the Church)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"<b>Why Church Members (Sometimes) Need Biblical Overseers Looking Over Their Shoulder</b>?" is the title of Sunday's sermon at <i><b><a href="http://www.lakecountrybible.org/sermons/" target="_blank">Lake Country Bible Church</a></b></i>.<br />
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This summer we have worked hard trying to establish a comprehensive <u>shepherd</u>ology, a robust <u>sheep</u>ology, and a clearly defined ecclesiology (doctrine of the church). We have considered numerous New Testament passages that have been ripe with practical implications for shepherd-leaders and sheep alike! Lord-willing, this Sunday will be no different.<br />
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Along the way the Scriptures have underscored the primacy of the local church and the essential need for biblical shepherd-leaders.<br />
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The Outline of Sunday's message is as follows: I) <b><i>The Four Main Proof Texts.</i></b> II) <b><i>Three Key Terms.</i></b> III) <b><i>Two Ways this Biblical Teaching Ought to Impact the Specific Duties of Local Church Elders/Pastors. </i></b> IV) <b><i>How Biblically Informed Sheep Ought to View their Local Church "Overseers?" </i></b><br />
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This sermon is part 15 of a related expositional series on </div>
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<u><b>"How Jesus Runs His Church" (i.e. the Master's Plan for the Church).</b></u></div>
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Sermon 1 (5/26/19)- <b><i>By Whose Authority? How Jesus Governs the Universe.</i></b><br />
Romans 13; Eph. 6; Heb. 13:17<br />
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Sermon 2 (6/2/19)- <b><i>By Whose Authority? How Jesus Runs the Church.</i></b><br />
Selected Scriptures.<br />
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Sermon 3 (6/9/19)- <b><i>The Biblical, Historical, and Apostolic Precedent of Elder-led Churches</i></b><br />
Acts 1-28 and Selected Scriptures.<br />
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Sermon 4 (6/16/19)- <b><i><u>Sheep</u>ology 101: Embracing the Good Shepherd's Plan for My Life and His Church. </i></b><br />
Selected Scriptures<br />
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Sermon 5 (6/23/19)- <b><i><u>Sheep</u>ology 101: Embracing the Good Shepherd's Plan for My Life and His Church. Part 2</i></b><br />
Selected Scriptures<br />
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Sermon 6 (6/30/19)- "<b><i>You Cannot Do it Alone!" Why Every Church Needs Multiple Shepherds</i></b><br />
Exodus 18:13-27; 1 Peter 5:1-4<br />
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Sermon 7 (7/7/19)- <b><i>The Elder's Mandate: Shepherd the Flock of God Among You</i></b><br />
1 Peter 5:1-5 (pt. 1)<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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Sermon 8 (7/21/19)- <b><i>The In's and Out's of Biblical Soul Care</i></b><br />
1 Peter 5:1-5, Selected Scriptures (pt. 2)<br />
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Sermon 9 (8/4/19)- <b><i>Shepherds After God's Own Heart</i></b><br />
1 Peter 5:1-5 (pt. 3)<br />
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Sermon 10 (8/11/19)- "<b><i>Lead (by Example), Follow, or Get Out of the Way!"</i></b><br />
1 Peter 5:1-5 (pt. 4)<br />
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Sermon 11 (8/18/19)- <b><i>Christ Rewards the Faithful: Great Our Reward Shall Be!</i></b><br />
1 Peter 5:1-5 (pt. 5)<br />
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Sermon 12 (8/25/19)- <b><i>I Want to Serve But I'm Not Worthy (Not so Fast)!</i></b><br />
Selected Scriptures<br />
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Sermon 13 (9/1/19)- <b><i>You That So and So's Biblically Qualified IF _______________</i></b><br />
1 Timothy 3:1-7 (pt. 1)<br />
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Sermon 14 (9/8/19)- <b><i>Ministry Must Have's: Spiritual Maturity and Exemplary Character</i></b><br />
1 Timothy 3:1-7 (pt. 2)<br />
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Sermon 15 (9/15/19)- "<b><i>Why Church Members (Sometimes) Need Biblical Overseers Looking Over Their Shoulder</i></b>?"<br />
Selected Scriptures<br />
<br />
Sermon 16 (9/22/19)- <b><i>Attitudes of a Godly Congregation</i></b><br />
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-1426125329737235042019-06-29T14:07:00.001-07:002019-07-05T12:25:47.424-07:00“You Cannot Do It Alone!” Why Every Church Needs Multiple Shepherds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>“You Cannot Do It Alone!” </b></div>
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<b>Why Every Church Needs Multiple Shepherds: </b></div>
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<b><i>Exodus 18:13-27; 1 Peter 5:1-4 </i></b></div>
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“Now these things happened as examples for us. They were written down for our instruction.” <br />
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(1 Corinthians 10:11; Hebrew 13:7; Romans 15:4) </div>
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Ex. 18:13-27- what was true back then, is true now. This narrative illustrates two important lessons <br />
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<b>Sermon Outline of 1 Peter 5:1-4 </b></div>
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I) <b>The _______________________ Shepherding Mandate. </b><br />
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(1 Peter 5:1-3) </div>
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II) T<b>he Eternally Glorious ____________________. </b><br />
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(1 Peter 5:4) </div>
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As a humble, battle-tested leader the Apostle Peter empathizes with the lesser known church elders from Asia Minor (1 Peter 1:1-2) which is now Turkey. <br />
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<b><b>The Three-fold Basis of Peter’s Shepherding Mandate </b></b></div>
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We have: <br />
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A) A ______________________ Calling <br />
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(1 Peter 5:1a) </div>
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B) A ________________________ Witness <br />
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(1 Peter 5:1b) </div>
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C) A _______________________ Reward <br />
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(1 Peter 5:1; 1:6-7) </div>
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<b><i>For Further Reflection/Application: We must be doers of God’s Word and not merely hearers </i></b><br />
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How does Exodus 18:13-26 serve as a great introduction to 1 Peter 5:1-5? <br />
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How does this wonderful Old Testament narrative speak to similar challenges facing local churches in general and Senior Pastors in particular? Note 1 Corinthians 10:11; Hebrews 13:7; Romans 15:4 <br />
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Moses was the humblest man of his times (per Numbers 12:3). Why was he initially so reluctant to ask other godly men to help share the burden of ministry leadership? Why do some leaders today struggle when it comes to delegation? If you’re a Christian leader, how do you know what to pass on to others and what to focus in on? <br />
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In what ways does shared leadership help pastors avoid “ministry burnout(s)?” <br />
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How can delegating specific responsibilities to other elders and faithful laypeople help meet the shepherding/ministry needs of Lake Country Bible Church? <br />
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Read Ephesians 4:11-16. How does this New Testament passage parallel many of the ministry maxims that are illustrated in Exodus 18:13-26? <br />
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Church members need to avoid two extreme positions: 1) Having unrealistic expectations for pastors/elders. Having too low of expectations for church leaders. Provide three real life examples of both one and two. <br />
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One might assume that in face of mounting persecution (1 Peter 4:12-13) that issues related to marriage and family and church polity would be relatively unimportant. 1 Peter 3-5 suggests otherwise. <br />
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To find out how to pray for the persecuted Church check out opendoorsusa.org <br />
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When things are tough and when trials abound, faithful biblical oversight and intentional shepherding is critically important. Explain why this is so.<br />
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How did the preacher use the famous “Steady Boys, Steady” (featuring Commander Lewis Armistead) painting to highlight what the Master wants from spiritual leaders today? <br />
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What was the three-fold basis of Peter’s shepherding mandate? <br />
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The ancient apostles and faithful elders and pastors today have A) a shared calling, B) a common witness, and C) a mutual reward. <br />
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By way of review: Are you embracing the Good Shepherd’s plan for your life in terms of <br />
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1) the primacy of the local church and 2) the essential need of shepherding; (biblical soul care)? <br />
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By God’s design, believers do best in a specific flock with other like-minded sheep. <br />
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Per passages such as Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Thess. 5:12-13; 1 Peter 4:10-11 and Acts 2:42. <br />
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The Word of God also teaches that believers (sheep) need faithful shepherds who willingly over them (hence 1 Peter 5:1-4 and Acts 20:26-28). <br />
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How can you more faithfully embrace the Good Shepherd’s plan for your life and His church in the year to come? </div>
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<b><i>Recommended Resources: “Visit many good books, but live in the Bible;” Charles Spurgeon. </i></b><br />
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The Shepherd-Leader: Achieving Effective Shepherding in Your Church- by Timothy Witmer <br />
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The Conviction to Lead- by Albert Mohler <br />
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The Cross and Christian Ministry: Leadership Lessons from 1 Corinthians- by D.A. Carson <br />
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The Reformed Pastor- by Puritan Richard Baxter <br />
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Loving the Church: God’s People Flourishing in God’s Family- John Crotts <br />
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The Master’s Plan for the Church- John MacArthur <br />
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9 Marks of a Healthy Church- Mark Dever <br />
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The Church in God’s Program- Robert Saucy </div>
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<b><i>Related Scripture Passages: Search the Scriptures to see if this be so. </i></b></div>
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1 Peter 4:12-13, 19; 5:1-5; Exodus 18:13-26; Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11; Hebrews 13:7; <br />
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<b><i>Related Praise Songs: Theology fuels Doxology! We dig deeply in order that we may go high! </i></b><br />
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Rise Up O Men of God- Hymn <br />
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I Love Thy Church O God- Hymn <br />
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O Church of Christ, Invincible- Matt Boswell <br />
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Soldiers of Christ, Arise- Hymn <br />
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O Church Arise- the Getty <br />
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All related sermons can be downloaded for free on our website at <b><a href="http://www.lakecountrybible.org/" target="_blank">www.lakecountrybible.org</a> </b><br />
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CD's are available immediately following the service in the foyer thanks to some wonderful volunteers. </div>
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ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-60593396761438617012019-05-24T16:31:00.001-07:002019-05-24T16:31:47.977-07:00What's Next at Lake Country Bible Church?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Over the past two years it has been my joy and privilege to feed the people of God that make up <b><a href="http://www.lakecountrybible.org/" target="_blank">Lake Country Bible Church</a></b>. I am truly blessed to minister to such a humble (Isaiah 66:2) and hungry congregation (1 Peter 2:2-3). We believe that, by God’s design, the expository pulpit is the rudder of the church and we covet your faithful prayer partnership! <br /><br />Here is a summary of where we have been and what we believe is on the preaching horizon: <br /><br />After 18 years of faithful ministry our founding pastor, Pastor Sal Massa, retired in May of 2017. Pastor Sal had begun a verse-by-verse study of Revelation but was unable to complete this great prophecy before he retired. In order to enhance shepherding/preaching continuity between my predecessor and I, and in effort to not leave the sheep hanging (the end of the story is the very best part), I committed to finishing this expository study. <br /><br />Sunday morning (5/19/19) marks the end of a long and rewarding journey. My prayer is that we will not forget the many lessons that the Holy Spirit has taught us along the way. By Divine design, the prophesied future is intended to impact the here and now. The Christian life does not make sense without this future hope. God calls His saints to live each day in the light of Christ’s imminent return. That is the heart and soul of biblical “eschatology;” (studies related to the end times). <br /><br />As we transition into our summer schedule, we are going to begin a new sermon series. I have attached a tentative schedule of what will be covered over the next few months. This new series will highlight what King Jesus expects from those who shepherd and lead His flock. It will also address the primacy of the local church, the need for meaningful membership, and what the Lord expects from “the people of his pasture” in terms of their relationship with local church pastors and elders. The current plan is to begin a new book study after the busy summer season end. <br /><br />In addition to what has been taught during our worship service a number of men have been teaching the Psalms on Wednesday night. Before his retirement Pastor Ray worked through the Minor and Major Prophets. <br /><br />Our Women Teaching Women ministry has enjoyed two studies through the book of James and Habakkuk. The College and Career group has worked their way through 1 Peter and the book of Acts. In addition to these offerings, during the Sunday School hour we have recently worked through Galatians, the Spiritual Disciplines, and an Old and New Testament study on biblical manhood and womanhood. <br /><br />As a reminder we do not offer Sunday School during the summer months and our worship service begins at 9:30 AM. Our summer schedule begins May 26th and ends September 1st. <br /><br />Together for the gospel, <br /><br />Pastor Caleb Kolstad <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Forthcoming Sermon Series </b></div>
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<b>Summer 2019 at Lake Country Bible Church</b></div>
<br /><u>How Jesus Governs the Universe</u>; Rom. 13; Eph. 6; Heb. 13:17<br /><br /><u>How Jesus Runs His Church</u>- Selected Scriptures. <a name='more'></a><br /><u><br />By Whose Authority- The Apostolic Precedent of Elder-led Churches</u>; the book of Acts<br /><br /><u>Sheepology 101- Am I Embracing the Good Shepherd's Plan For My Lif</u>e? Selected Scriptures<br /><br /><u>"You Cannot Do It Alone": Why Every Church Needs Multiple Shepherds</u>; Exodus 18:13-27<br /><br /><u>The Elder's Mandate: Shepherd the Flock of God Among Yo</u>u; 1 Peter 5:1-4<br /><u><br />The In’s and Out’s of Congregational Soul Care</u>- 1 Peter 5:1-4 (pt. 2)<br /><br /><u>Shepherds After God’s Own Heart</u>- 1 Peter 5:1-4 and selected Scriptures<br /><br />TBD<div>
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<b><u>Next Expository Book Study </u></b></div>
<br /><b><u>The Gospel of John</u></b>- Scripture’s most theological and Christ-exalting Gospel. This study will begin after we finish our 2019 Summer Series.</div>
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<b>2017-2019 Sermon Series: A Brief Recap of Where We've Been</b></div>
<br /><b>Revelation 19-22</b>; A verse by verse study of <b><i>Revelation 19-22</i></b> as part of our expository series through the final book of the Bible. This particular series highlighted the future Tribulation/Day of the Lord, the Return of Christ, the Future Earthly Kingdom of Christ, the Glories of Heaven, the Horrors of Hell, and the Eternal Delights of the New Jerusalem (our Forever Home). <br /><br /><b>Colossians 1:28-29</b>; A four-part series on “<b><i>Maintaining a Biblical Philosophy of Ministr</i></b>y.” This passage as well as Ephesians 4:11-16 and Matthew 28:18-20 defines the heart and soul of all that we do at Lake Country Bible Church. <br /><br /><b>Various Old Testament passages</b>; A miniseries on “t<b><i>he Great Covenants of the Bible</i></b>” (and how they relate to the Israel, the Church, and to a proper interpretation of Revelation). <br /><br /><b>Key New Testament passages from the Gospels related to what Jesus taught his disciples concerning the end times</b>. Along the way we considered: Matthew 24-25 and Luke 13:34-35; 19:11-44. We also highlighted the Apostolic teaching on this subject from Romans 11. <br /><br /><b>Luke 1 series</b>- A series on the Messianic expectations of New Testament saints based on their understanding of the Old Testament. <br /><br /><b>Luke 1 and select Scriptures</b>- An evangelistic and apologetics series on the real Mary and Roman Catholicism. <br /><br /><b>Standalone sermon expositions </b>related to Easter/Christ's Bodily Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15) Thanksgiving, and Christmas (the birth of Christ). <br />ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-58992604936715264852019-05-21T00:00:00.000-07:002019-05-21T00:00:04.691-07:00Why These 66 Books and No More? How We Received the Bible<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you ever looked at your Bible and wondered, “How do we know that these 66 books, and no others, comprise the inspired Word of God?”<br /><br />That is a critically important question, since there are many today who would deny that these 66 books truly make up the complete canon of Scripture.<br /><br />The Roman Catholic Church, for example, claims that the Apocryphal books which were written during the inter-testamental period (between the Old and New Testaments) ought to be included in the Bible. Cult groups like the Mormons want to add their own books to the Bible—like the Book of Mormon, The Doctrines and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price. And then there are popular books and movies, like The Da Vinci Code, that claim centuries after these books were written Christians (like Constantine) determined what was in the Bible.<br /><br />So, how do we know that “all Scripture” consists of these 66 books? How do we know that the Bible we hold in our hands is the complete Word of God?<br /><br />There are a number of ways we could answer such questions; in fact, we could spend weeks studying the doctrine of canonicity, carefully walking through the relevant biblical and historical details. And there are many helpful books that can guide you through that wealth of information.<br /><br />But in this article, I would like to offer a simple answer that I hope will be helpful – because it gets to the heart of the matter.<br /><br />It is this: We believe in the 39 books of the Old Testament, because the Lord Jesus Christ affirmed the Old Testament. And we believe in the 27 books of the New Testament, because the Lord Jesus Christ authorized His apostles to write the New Testament.<br /><br />The doctrine of canonicity is grounded in the lordship of Jesus Christ. If we believe in Him and submit to His authority, then we will simultaneously believe in and submit to His Word. Because Jesus affirmed the Old Testament canon, we affirm it with Him. Because He authorized His apostles to write the New Testament, we also embrace it.<a name='more'></a><br /><br />It was not the Catholic church that determined the canon. Constantine did not determine the canon. Joseph Smith certainly did not determine the canon. No, it is the authority of Christ Himself, the Lord of the church and the incarnate Son of God, on which the canon of Scripture rests.<div>
<br />THE OLD TESTAMENT CANON<br /><br />When it comes to the Old Testament, Jesus Christ affirmed the Jewish canon of His day—consisting of the very same content that we have today in our Old Testament.<br /><br />A study of the gospels shows that, throughout His ministry, Jesus affirmed the Old Testament in its entirety (Matt. 5:17–18)—including its historical reliability (cf. Matt. 10:15; 19:3–5; 12:40; 24:38–39), prophetic accuracy (Matt. 26:54), sufficiency (Luke 16:31), unity (Luke 24:27, 44), inerrancy (Matt. 22:29; John 17:17), infallibility (John 10:35), and authority (Matt. 21:13, 16, 42).<br /><br />He affirmed the Law, the Writings, and the Prophets and all that was written in them; clearly viewing the Old Testament Scriptures as the Word of God (Matt. 15:16; Mark 7:13; Luke 3:2; 5:1; etc.).<br /><br />The first century Jews did not consider the Apocryphal books to be canonical. And neither did Jesus. He accepted the canon of the Jews as being the complete Old Testament. He never affirmed or cited the Apocryphal books – and neither do any of the writers of the New Testament.<br /><br />(Some may wonder about Jude’s reference to the Book of Enoch. But the Book of Enoch is not part of the Roman Catholic Apocrypha. It was simply a well-known piece of Jewish literature at that time, which Jude cited for the purpose of an illustration, much like Paul did when he quoted pagan poets on Mars Hill in Acts 17.)<br /><br />For those who might wonder, “Why don’t Protestants accept the Apocrypha?” the simple answer is that Jesus never affirmed it as Scripture. And neither did the apostles.<br /><br />Many of the early church fathers also did not regard the Apocryphal books as being canonical. They considered them helpful for the edification of the church, but not authoritative. Even the fifth-century scholar Jerome (who translated the Latin Vulgate — which became the standard Roman Catholic version of the Middle Ages) acknowledged that the Apocraphyl books were not to be regarded as either authoritative or canonical.<br /><br />So we accept the canonicity of the Old Testament on the basis of the authoritative affirmation of our Lord. And we reject the canonicity of the Apocryphal books based on the absence of affirmation of those inter-testamental writings by Jesus.<br />THE NEW TESTAMENT CANON<br /><br />The same principle applies to the New Testament canon. Our Lord not only affirmed the Jewish canon of the Old Testament, He also promised to give additional revelation to His church through His authorized representatives—namely, the apostles.<br /><br />Jesus made this point explicit in John 14–16. On the night before His death, Jesus said to His disciples: These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. – John 14:25–26<br /><br />That last line is essential for the doctrine of canonicity. Jesus promised the apostles that the Holy Spirit would help them remember all that He had said to them.<br /><br />That is an amazing promise, the fulfillment of which is found in the four gospel accounts—where the things that our Lord did and said are perfectly recorded.<br /><br />Two chapters later, in the same context, the Lord promised the apostles that He would give them additional revelation through the Holy Spirit:<br /><br /><br />I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak of His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you. – John 16:12–15<br /><br />Where is that additional revelation found? It is found in the New Testament epistles, wherein the Spirit of Christ guided the apostles to provide the church with inspired truth.<br /><br />The New Testament, then, was pre-authenticated by Christ Himself, as He authorized the apostles to be His witnesses in the world (Matt. 28:18–19; Acts 1:8). We embrace and submit to the New Testament writings because they were penned by Christ’s authorized representatives, being inspired by the Holy Spirit in the same way as the Old Testament prophets (cf. 2 Pet. 3:19–21).<br /><br />With that in mind we could go book-by-book through the New Testament, and we will find that it meets this criteria.<br /><br />• The Gospels of Matthew & John were both written by apostles.<br /><br />• The Gospel of Mark is a record of the memoirs of the Apostle Peter, written by Mark under Peter’s apostolic authority.<br /><br />• The Gospel of Luke (and the book of Acts) were the product of a careful investigation and eyewitness testimony (Luke 1:2), research that would have included apostolic sources. Moreover, as the companion of the Apostle Paul, Luke wrote under Paul’s apostolic oversight. (For instance, Paul affirmed Luke 10:7 as being part of the Scripture in 1 Tim. 5:18.)<br /><br />• The Pauline Epistles (Romans–Philemon) were all written by the Apostle Paul.<br /><br />• The authorship of Hebrews is unknown, but many in church history believed it to have been written by Paul. If not penned by Paul himself, it was clearly written by someone closely associated with Paul’s ministry—and therefore, by extension, under his apostolic authority.<br /><br />• The General Epistles (the letters of James, Peter, and John) were written by apostles. Peter also acknowledged Paul’s writings as being Scripture in 2 Peter 3:15–16.<br /><br />• The epistle of Jude was written by the half-brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3) who operated under the apostolic oversight of his brother James (cf. Jude 1).<br /><br />• And finally, the book of Revelation was written by the Apostle John.<br /><br />Every book of the New Testament was written under apostolic authority—either by an apostle or someone linked to apostolic ministry. Thus, we submit to these books because they originate from Christ’s authorized representatives. In submitting to them, we are submitting to the Lord Himself.<br /><br />The reason the canon is closed is because there are no longer any apostles in the church today. And there have not been any since the end of the first century, with the conclusion of the foundation age of the church (cf. Eph. 2:20).<div>
<br />SO, WHY THESE 66 BOOKS?<br /><br />Because God inspired them! They are His divine revelation. And Christ confirmed that fact. He affirmed the Old Testament canon, and He authorized the New Testament canon (cf. Heb. 1:1–2).<br /><br />The authority of the Lord Jesus Himself, then, is the basis for our confidence that the Bible we hold is indeed “All Scripture.”<div>
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Article written by Master's Seminary Professor- Dr. NATHAN BUSENITZ </div>
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ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-171807445472899302019-05-20T00:00:00.000-07:002019-05-20T00:00:02.155-07:00Prepared to Stand Alone- The Faithful Example of J.C. Ryle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"John Charles Ryle was born of well-to-do parents at Macclesfield on 10 May 1816. After a period of private schooling, he entered Eton in February 1828, where he excelled at rowing and cricket. Going up to Christ Church, Oxford in October 1834, he continued his sporting prowess, and captained the First Eleven in his second and third years, achieving a personal 10-wicket bowling triumph in the 1836 Varsity match at Lords (which Oxford won by 121 runs).<br /><br />Various circumstances and incidents in his own and others’ lives had awakened Ryle to the knowledge that all was not well with his soul, but matters came to a head not long before he took his Finals in 1837. He was struck down with a serious chest infection, and for the first time in fourteen years he turned to his Bible and prayer. Then one Sunday, arriving late to church he was in time to hear the reading of Ephesians chapter two. As he listened, he felt that the Lord was speaking directly to his soul. His eyes were opened when he heard verse 8, ‘For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.’ He was converted through hearing the Word of God, without comment or sermon.<br /><br />Ryle took a first in Classics, but turned down the college fellowship which was offered. His intention was a career in politics, and he went to London to study law, thinking this would be a help to him. However, he had to give this up after six months due to a recurrence of his chest problems, caused by the London smog. When his father’s bank crashed in 1841, Ryle had to give up all hope of a political career, as he now had no money behind him.<br /><br />With his Oxford degree, Ryle could enter the ministry of the Church of England, and it was to this he turned, being ordained by Charles Sumner, Bishop of Winchester on 21st December 1841. Long afterwards Ryle wrote, ‘I have not the least doubt, it was all for the best. If I had not been ruined, I should never have been a clergyman, never have preached a sermon, or written a tract or book.’<a name='more'></a><br /><br />Ryle started his ministry as curate at the Chapel of Ease in Exbury, Hampshire, moving on to become rector of St Thomas’s, Winchester in 1843 and then rector of Helmingham, Suffolk the following year. While at Helmingham he married and was widowed twice. He began publishing popular tracts, and Matthew, Mark and Luke of his series of <a href="https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/commentaries/expository-thoughts-on-the-gospels-16/" target="_blank">Expository Thoughts on the Gospels</a> were published in successive years (1856-1858). His final parish was Stradbroke, also in Suffolk, where he moved in 1861, and it was as vicar of All Saints that he became known nationally for his straightforward preaching and firm defence of evangelical principles. He wrote several well-known and still-in-print books, often addressing issues of contemporary relevance for the Church from a biblical standpoint. He completed his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels while at Stradbroke, with his work on the Gospel of John (1869). His third marriage, to Henrietta Amelia Clowes in 1861, lasted until her death in 1889.<br /><br />After a period as honorary canon of Norwich (1872), in 1880 Ryle became the first bishop of Liverpool, at the recommendation of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. His episcopate was marked by his efforts to build churches and mission halls to reach the rapidly expanding urban areas of the city. He retired in 1900 at age 83 and died later the same year in Lowestoft. His successor in Liverpool described him as ‘the man of granite with the heart of a child.’"<div>
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Article Published by Banner of Truth. I would encourage you to read <a href="https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/history-biography/j-c-ryle/" target="_blank">Iain Murray's excellent biography on J.C. Ryle.</a></div>
ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-41469627923638084812019-05-17T08:59:00.001-07:002019-05-17T08:59:02.161-07:008 Marks of Authentic Worship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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How shall we formulate a biblical definition of worship for our time?<br /><br />A bewildering array of definitions has already been proposed in the ever-expanding literature on the topic. Neither the First [the Old] nor the New Testament tried to capture the concept with a single word. We may characterize constituent parts of worship as mystery, celebration, life, dialogue, offering, or eschatological fulfillment, but to define biblical worship is to confine it.<br /><br />At best we may try to describe the phenomena.<br /><br />Pagan worship focuses on corporate and individual cultic efforts seeking to mollify the gods and secure their blessing. Today many Christians’ understanding of worship differs little from that of pagans, except perhaps that God is singular and the forms of worship come from traditions more or less rooted in the Scriptures. Largely divorced from life, such worship represents a pattern of religious activities driven by a deep-seated sense of obligation to God and a concern to win His favor. But this understanding is unbiblical; it separates worship from daily life and compartmentalizes human existence into the sacred and the secular.<br /><br />To account for the dimensions of worship reflected in the Scriptures, we need a much more comprehensive explanation. In simplest terms, worship is ‘the human response to God.’ However, to reflect the complexity of the biblical picture, I propose the following:<br /><br />True worship involves reverential human acts of submission and homage before the divine Sovereign in response to His gracious revelation of Himself and in accord with His will.<br /><br />This is not so much a definition of worship as a description of the phenomena. Let me lay the groundwork with some brief commentary.<div>
<br />FIRST, THE SCRIPTURES CALL FOR WORSHIP THAT IS TRUE AS OPPOSED TO FALSE.<br /><br />Everyone worships. The problem is that not everyone worships truly.<br /><br />Those who direct their worship to gods other than the God revealed in Scripture or who worship the living God in ways contrary to His revealed will worship falsely. Whether we interpret obedience ‘before YHWH’ in everyday conduct cultically or ethically (Deut. 6:25), to walk before Him in truth and faithfulness with our whole heart, mind, and being (1 Kings 2:4) demands integrity: consistency between confession and practice and consistency between what God seeks and what we present.</div>
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<br />SECOND, TRUE WORSHIP INVOLVES REVERENT AWE.<a name='more'></a><br />Evangelical worship today often lacks gravitas appropriate to the occasion and the divine Auditor who invites us to an audience with Him. In Israelite worship, the concern for reverence was expressed through the design of the tabernacle and temple and by the priests’ attire, which was intended to promote dignity and royal beauty (Exod. 28:2, 40).<br /><br />True worship need not be humorless, but neither will it be casual or flippant.</div>
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<br />THIRD, TRUE WORSHIP IS A HUMAN RESPONSE.<br /><br />The Scriptures inform us that angelic creatures worship God by their words and by their actions as messengers of God and agents of providence (Isa. 6), and that the entire universe is involved in worshipful activity (Pss. 19:1-6; 50:6; 148). However, although Scripture envisions the ultimate restoration of fallen creation, its words are intended for human beings and primarily concern their relationship with God. The concern is not how the rest of the universe glorifies God but how we worship God – how we respond to the Westminster Catechism’s declaration that ‘the chief end of man [humanity] is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.’</div>
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<br />FOURTH, TRUE WORSHIP INVOLVES ACTION.<br /><br />It is not primarily interior, as if God is concerned only about what is in our hearts and disinterested in external ritual and ethical expressions. Although many aspects of God remain a mystery to us, biblical religion is not mystical, nor is it primarily cultic or formulaic. Some challenge us to treat ‘worship’ as a verb, which is fine, so long as we recognize that true worship involves actions that demonstrate covenant commitment to and love for God, and that our daily lives are characterized by reverence and awe before Him. As the prophets declare (1 Sam. 15:22; Mic. 6:8) and Jesus Himself affirms (Matt. 23:23), obedience to the revealed ethical will of God must take priority over cultic ritual expression.</div>
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<br />FIFTH, TRUE WORSHIP EXPRESSES THE SUBMISSION AND HOMAGE OF A PERSON OF LOWER RANK BEFORE A SUPERIOR.<br /><br />While the Scriptures speak of covenant arrangements between equals (Gen. 31:44-54), the relationship between God and His people is by definition asymmetrical. By grace, the Creator of the universe and the Redeemer of Israel invites us to covenant relationship, but this covenant is fundamentally monergistic (instituted by one party): God selects the covenant partner, establishes the terms, and determines the consequences of the vassals’ response. True worship lets God be God on His terms, and we submit to Him as Lord with reverent and trusting awe.<br /><br /><br />SIXTH, ONLY THE DIVINE SOVEREIGN IS WORTHY OF WORSHIP.<br /><br />While human subordinates may express their humility before human superiors by bowing and prostration, only the divine Sovereign is worthy of actual worship – assuming that we understand worship as veneration of the One who is the source and sustainer of all things and on whom we are absolutely dependent.<br /><br />This God has graciously revealed Himself in the First Testament by name as YHWH and by actions as Creator and Redeemer. In the New Testament He has revealed Himself primarily as the incarnate Son, but also as the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.</div>
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<br />SEVENTH, TRUE WORSHIP INVOLVES REACTIVE COMMUNICATION.<br /><br />We could not worship God acceptably if He had not taken the initiative both to communicate with us and to open our eyes to His communication, whether in creation, history, or Scripture. The universe declares the transcendent qualities and glory of God in a general sense, but only through His specific revelation in deed and word do we learn of His specific character and attributes. True worship involves communication through action – demonstrating covenant commitment to God and our fellow human beings because He first loved us (Exod. 20:2; 1 John 4:19).</div>
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<br />EIGHTH, FOR WORSHIPERS’ ACTS OF HOMAGE TO BE FAVORABLY RECEIVED BY GOD, THEY MUST ALIGN WITH HIS WILL RATHER THAN WITH THE IMPULSES OF DEPRAVED HUMAN IMAGINATION.<br /><br />Forms of worship may vary from culture to culture, but true worship comes from hearts totally devoted to God and determined to please Him. Scripture clearly reveals the forms of ethical worship acceptable to God, and since the New Testament gives minimal attention to corporate worship, true Christian worship should be grounded on theological principles established in the First Testament. Unless the New Testament expressly declares those principles to be obsolete, we should assume continuity.<br /><br />In part, evangelical Christians quarrel over the nature of true worship, especially its cultic expression, because the New Testament hesitates to prescribe any liturgy when it describes the gathering of Christians. In these assemblies, the emphasis seems to have been on edification and encouragement, serving one another, and challenging one another to faith and good works. While liturgical homage to God appears to be deemphasized, the First and New Testaments agree that all of life should be a service of worship.<br /><br />This understanding of worship as being wholehearted and full-bodied is not a novel New Testament idea. It runs like a thread from Genesis 4 (the worship of Cain and Abel) through Revelation 19 (the worship of those invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb). Nor is cultic language absent from New Testament references to the gathering of God’s people. Not only are Jesus’ instructions for the Lord’s Supper profoundly cultic, but Hebrews 10:19-31 also calls on Christians to ‘draw near [to God] with a sincere heart’ and admonishes them not to neglect participating in the assembly of God’s people. Hebrews 12:28-29 reinforces the assumption of 10:26-31, that Christians’ relationship to God closely resembles the Israelites’ relationship to YHWH.<br /><br />Worship is indeed a complex matter, encompassing all of life."</div>
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This excerpt is adapted from <a href="http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/for-the-glory-of-god/224914" target="_blank">For the Glory of God</a> by Daniel I. Block, copyright (C) 2014. Used by permission of Baker Academic, a division of Baker Publishing Group.ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-79803950476856263242019-04-25T08:08:00.001-07:002019-04-25T08:13:00.940-07:00What I Value Most in Preaching<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"A sermon is very much a jar of clay; even the best are far from perfect. Even though they bear the flaws of the preacher, God is still pleased to graciously work through humble servants and their earthly efforts (1 Cor. 1:21; Col. 1:28; 2 Tim. 4:1-5).<br />
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The more I preach, the more I witness confirmation that the Spirit must supernaturally illuminate the Word of God in the hearts of people in spite of my feeble attempt to explain and apply it. I don’t think there’s a formula or process that can guarantee this, other than actually preaching from the Scriptures.<br />
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I’ve recently been asked what I value in a sermon. The more I thought about it, I figured I should put these values down on paper if only for the purposes of accountability. So, upon reflection, here are 6 values I hope are reflected in my preaching. It is my goal that my sermons would be:<br />
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1) <b><u>Expositional</u></b>– An expositional sermon is one in which the main idea of a text of Scripture is the primary point of the sermon, and ideally the sermon would show the congregation how (<a href="https://www.9marks.org/article/biblical-case-expositional-preaching/" target="_blank">here’s a nice summary by Mike Bullmore on expositional preaching</a>). This is where all the original language, grammar, history, genre awareness, and literary analysis pay off in studying a passage.</div>
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2) <u style="font-weight: bold;">Informed by Biblical Theology</u>– The sermon’s content and main idea should be nuanced in light of the whole of the Scriptures. It’s easy to become so focused on the passage in question that the forest of Scripture is lost. In this I want to be aware of NT/OT connections, as well as the way certain themes are developed in the whole of the canon.</div>
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3) <b><u>Saturated with Pastoral Exhortations</u></b>– Local Church pastors are commended to "reprove, rebuke, and exhort" the flock with "great patience and careful instruction" (2 Tim. 4:1-5). One will benefit from listening to the likes of John MacArthur. Just realize that as a local church pastor he is preaching a specific message to his congregation. A sermon should be infused with examples of how the passage should be believed, applied, and/or obeyed. Shepherds are called to pastor the flock through the pulpit ministry of the church. As a sheep you want to come to worship with this expectation. You should expect your toes will be stepped on and should be grateful for such correction (see Proverbs 9:8).</div>
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4)<b> <u>Clarity</u></b>– The sermon should be easily understandable while <i>not</i> being simplistic. This applies especially to the main idea and related sub points. If Spirit-filled saints don’t understand the main point, I’ve missed something. The more clear one is the deeper they can take their congregation into the bottomless well of riches that are the sacred Scriptures.</div>
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5) <b><u>Aimed at the Religious Affections</u></b>– The sermon should target the heart, not merely the intellect, seeking to foster greater love for God, hunger for God, and worship of God. A sermon isn’t merely a lecture. Now do not misunderstand me here. The mind is the gateway to the heart, but merely teaching a text isn’t the end goal. No one is better than Jonathan Edwards on this point: “And the impressing of divine things on the hearts and affections of men, is evidently one great end for which God has ordained, that his word delivered in the Holy Scriptures, should be opened, applied, and set home upon men, in preaching.”</div>
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Good preaching will lead to doxology. Your heart should be regularly stirred to wonder, love, and praise as the Revelation of Christ is revealed through the preaching of God's Word.</div>
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6) <b><u>Empowered by the Holy Spirit</u></b>– No matter how the sermon is structured, no matter how creative the presentation, if the Spirit of God does not work in the hearts of those who hear, it will not be effective. So what can the preacher do? He must recognize his absolute dependence on God for any good to come of the sermon. He must humbly ask for the Holy Spirit’s power to draw people to Christ through the sermon, and that each listener’s ears, eyes, and heart will be opened to understand, trust, and obey God’s Word. Preachers must come in the demonstration of the Spirit in order to have power in their preaching (1 Cor. 2:4).</div>
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When J.I. Packer was a 22-year-old student he heard Lloyd-Jones preach each Sunday evening during the school year of 1948–1949. He said that he had “never heard such preaching.” It came to him “with the force of electric shock, bringing to at least one of his listeners more of a sense of God than any other man” he had known (see note 5).</div>
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As I think about these values, I realize that different preachers can check these boxes with very different styles/personalities. That’s part of the beauty of God’s design for preaching. As the years pass by, I hope to become a better preacher in these 6 areas."</div>
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Article written by Pastor Ryan Boys. Edited by Pastor Caleb Kolstad.</div>
ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-13590775641051691132019-04-24T00:00:00.000-07:002019-04-24T00:00:12.214-07:00Is “Missions” Undermining the Great Commission?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"The final marching orders of Jesus to his church in Matthew 28:18–20 and Acts 1:8 are where we derive the term “Great Commission” from. Here is that specific task, given to Christ’s church, with the expectation of fulfillment:<br /><br />“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt 28:18–20)<br /><br />“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)<br /><br />For our times, though, the clarity of that task seems to have been replaced by a degree of fuzziness, usually encapsulated in the word “missions.” Missions has become a catch-all that can mean whatever we want it to mean. Missional churches, missional communities, missional living, people on mission, my neighborhood is my mission field, short-term missions, long-term missions; the list is never ending as to what qualifies as mission or missions. What once was commonly understood to mean taking the gospel to the unreached people groups, while having to cross significant obstacles (new languages and cultures, severe climates and countries, governments hostile to Christianity, etc.), has now been swept up into the kaleidoscope of “missions.”<br /><br /><b>An Eye-Opening Comment<a name='more'></a></b><br /><br />I remember speaking to a small group of individuals that were curious as to my own background and why my wife and I had been gone overseas for 13 years. At the conclusion of telling how God had worked through our team and how we had been privileged to see a New Testament church planted among an unreached people group with the Word of God translated into their own language, one individual responded with, “That’s great, and I bought a goat for some kids in Africa.”<br /><br />I wasn’t really sure where the tie-in was, but he quickly alleviated my confusion. “You did missions among the Yembiyembi people, I did missions among the kids of Africa . . . isn’t God great!”<br /><br />It was an interesting moment, to say the least, for my wife and me. Between our son and us, we had gone through fifteen cases of malaria, one of dengue fever, four centipede bites, six evacuations out of the tribe, and a host of other challenges that were never-ending in that environment. To understand how these two endeavors could be grouped together into “missions” was eye-opening.<br /><br />The Great Commission, on the other hand, is quite specific, with a clear goal in mind. Jesus’ command to his disciples is recorded most clearly in two separate passages that occurred at separate times. Some assume that Acts 1:8 and Matthew 28:18–20 are separate recordings of the same event. This is incorrect. One takes place on a mountainside in Galilee (Matt 28:16), the other on the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:12). These are two different accounts of Jesus presenting to his disciples what His final command for them was and continues to be. A loose translation of the main thrust of these two passages could be: “Based on the authority that I (Jesus) have, go and make disciples of all people/language groups, teaching them everything I have commanded. Begin first in Jerusalem then move on to Judea, then to Samaria, and then finally to the last places where people/language groups on earth have not heard.”<br /><br />Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria are actual cities and regions, not metaphors for where we live and the surrounding areas. The task given was a progression of goals, with all of them reached . . . except for the last.<br /><br /><b>Prioritizing the Task Before Us</b><br /><br />With those goals in mind, it is appropriate that we should prioritize accordingly. But that has been something the Western church in particular has struggled with. Giving aimed at reaching UUPGs (<b>unreached unengaged people groups</b>) is somewhere between 1–3% of all Christian giving, while 96% of all full-time Christian missionaries are working among reached people groups.[1]It’s troubling to think of what could be done if those resources were allocated more strategically. For our day and age, it is quite possible that “missions” has become the greatest roadblock of seeing the fullness of the Great Commission accomplished.<br /><br />The root of the problem is not knowledge, and it’s not clarity. It’s the willingness to look unflinchingly at the task we have been given and prioritize it to the degree that Jesus did. Please don’t misunderstand what I am saying. The multiple needs and ongoing tragedies of this world must not be ignored. <u>Digging wells, building orphanages, freeing people from human trafficking, and hundreds of other commendable tasks, are all great things. But without the disciple-making, church-planting emphasis, these worthwhile efforts will be aimed at this world alone</u>. Kevin DeYoung and Greg Gilbert speak to this well when they write, “<i><b>We want the church to remember that there is something worse than death and something better than human flourishing. If we hope only for renewed cities and restored bodies in this life, we are of all people most to be pitied</b></i>.”[2]<br /><br />Only when the specificity of the Great Commission is taken seriously will the church begin to make progress towards completing that task. Until then, many in the modern evangelical world will continue to view Great Commission with about as much concern as many Americans view the national debt. If we are serious about completing the Great Commission that Jesus left us behind to accomplish then we must find a focus that will call us to make difficult decisions. Jesus has sheep of other sheep pens that are waiting to hear; He must bring them also. Let us be urgently and strategically about that task."<div>
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Article written by missionary BROOKS BUSER. The Buser's served in Papua New Guinea.ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-4049267966481448662019-04-23T00:00:00.000-07:002019-04-23T00:00:08.107-07:00Exodus and God’s Eternal Plans (pt. 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In part 1 of this series, God established a theology of salvation in Exodus 1-2 by raising up a deliverer and initiating deliverance. In the following chapters, we observe God’s revelation of this salvation. The details of the text present rich theology ingrained into these familiar passages. <div>
<b><br />PHARAOH ATTEMPTS TO STEAL GOD’S GLORY</b><br /><br />Exodus 5 opens with Pharaoh’s insolent speech. The king of Egypt questions the supremacy of God: “Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice to let Israel go?” (Ex 5:2). He also asserts himself in the place of God when he declares, “Thus says Pharaoh,” (Ex 5:10) an intentional mockery of “Thus says the Lord.” Pharaoh believes God is nothing, insults His words, and claims to be divine. <br /><br />In his audacity, Pharaoh commands, “let the labor be heavier on the men” (Ex 5:9). The word for “let the labor be heavier” is the word “glory.” Pharaoh is essentially saying, “Let me demonstrate my glory by placing Israel under hard labor.” With these arrogant words, Pharaoh is both stealing God’s glory and disputing His authority. <br /><br />Pharaoh repeats this offense when he hardens his heart. The word used for “harden” is the same word “glorify” (כבד). The use of this word exhibits the attempts of Pharaoh to harbor his own glory rather than attribute glory to God. God has once again been challenged by Pharaoh, as he arrogantly asserts that he deserves all glory. </div>
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<br /><b>GOD REVEALS HIS POWER</b><br /><br />In response to this affront, God reveals Himself more fully. With plagues He devastates Egypt, the world’s first superpower. <br /><br /><u>These plagues unveil His glory and supremacy in the following 4 ways</u>: </div>
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<b><br />1. The plagues display God as Creator.</b><br /><br />Why are there ten plagues? The number “ten” points back to the creation account in Genesis. When God creates the world, He speaks ten times (Genesis 1:3–30). Another set of “ten” in Exodus confirms this association. The ten commandments are called in Hebrew literally the ten “words,” or ten “speakings.” This again refers to the ten times God spoke in creation. The ten plagues parallel this logic. They show in sum that God is Creator; He is absolutely supreme.</div>
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<br /><b>2. The plagues establish the lordship of God over the world.<a name='more'></a></b><br /><br />The plagues can be arranged in sets of three. Each set of three plagues emphasizes an aspect of creation. There is water, land, and sky. <br /><br />God turns the Nile to blood: He owns the water. <br /><br />God sends hail and fire upon the earth: He owns the land. <br /><br />God turns the light to darkness: He owns the sky. <br /><br />The final plague is against Pharaoh himself: He owns all rulers.<br /><br />With these acts, God shows that every component of creation belongs to Him alone.</div>
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<br />3. <b>These plagues prove God’s commitment to His people. </b><br /><br />Why does God attack the Nile? It should not be forgotten that Pharaoh commanded the Egyptians to cast their baby boys into the Nile. Thus, God targets the Nile specifically. Why does He take the firstborn children? Remember that Egypt took the baby boys from God’s people. Why did God swarm the water with frogs? Frogs were the mascot of midwives in Egypt.<br /><br />The message of God is unmistakable: He will repay every attack against Himself and His people. The plagues demonstrate the loyalty of God to His people.</div>
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<br />4. <b>The plagues demonstrate the dominance of God over the supernatural. </b><br /><br />God turns the water of the Nile into blood because the Nile god, Hapi, is dead. He attacks the Egyptian pantheon. The pinnacle of this attack is against Pharaoh, who believes himself to be a god. The tenth plague exposes that Pharaoh is not a god; his son is not a god; God has power to destroy them all.<br /><br />These plagues are an overwhelming presentation of God’s incomparable might. Moses is not the ultimate mediator. He cannot substitute his life for his people<br /><br />In the end, Pharaoh says, “Go, serve your God” (Ex 12:31). The demand of God from the start was clear, “Let my people go so that they may serve me.” Throughout the plagues, Pharaoh refused to utter these words. For if Pharaoh permitted Israel to “serve God,” he would be forced to acknowledge that God is the one with authority, and not himself. Thus, for Pharaoh to say, “serve your God” is a statement of complete surrender. <br /><br />Pharaoh says precisely what God wants him to. Pharaoh acknowledges that he has no power, authority, or control over God’s people. He acknowledges Yahweh to be the true master—the One who contains all authority and power. Pharaoh may have begun with an arrogant challenge, but in the end, God shows He has no equal. </div>
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<b><br />GOD’S REDEMPTIVE PLAN</b><br /><br />This display of God’s supremacy, this deliverance, is the linchpin in redemptive history. To highlight the importance of these events, God institutes a celebration—Passover—so that Israel will know (and make known) that this narrative is central to His redemptive plan. This celebration is part of their work as a kingdom of priests (Exod 19:5-6) — to proclaim the one true God and His plan to the world. <br /><br />Moses instructs Israel to remember the celebration after they enter the Promised Land (Ex 13:5-14). These subsequent generations are commanded to say “…the Lord brought us out of Egypt” (Ex 13:14). These later generations, who may not have personally experienced the Exodus, are not saying that the Lord delivered their ancestors, but us.<br /><br />Even though these mighty works of God were now years in the past, Israel must remember them as if they had happened to them personally. This is a reminder that they would not experience their present reality if God had not acted in the past. The Israelites were instructed to proactively acknowledge that while this deliverance may have been to their fathers and grandfathers, it had direct bearing upon them. That is the importance of the salvific work of God. </div>
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<b><br />THE NEED FOR A MEDIATOR</b><br /><br />Does Exodus complete God’s deliverance? One might think so given the significance of this event. However, there is a lingering problem: the sin of Israel. Throughout the book, they refused to believe God (Exod 4:1), scorned their redemption (Exod 14:12), and disobeyed the instructions of God (Exod 16). This culminates in the golden calf incident, where Israel breaks every commandment given to them. With mighty power God may have delivered Israel, but that deliverance will end in the destruction of Israel because of the people’s remaining sin. <br /><br />The Israelites need something more. <br /><br />The moment at Sinai introduces the need for a mediator to come before God, the final point in God’s revelation of His deliverance. God tests Moses to see if he will stand for the nation, or if he will simply let God destroy Israel (Exod 32:11). Moses stands to intercede (Exod 32:12-14), and thus inaugurates the role of a mediator for God’s people. A mediator is necessary for final deliverance.<br /><br />However, Moses is not the ultimate mediator. He cannot substitute his life for his people (Exod 32:32-33). Nevertheless, God will provide this ultimate mediator, for He is the God full of grace and truth, forgiving sin yet refusing to leave the guilty unpunished (Exod 34:6-8). The character of God drives His plan of redemption. </div>
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<br /><b>THE ULTIMATE DELIVERANCE </b><br /><br />God promises Moses, “Behold, I am going to make a covenant. Before all your people I will perform miracles” (Ex 34:10). The same language was used of God’s earlier deliverance of His people from Egypt. In this statement, God promises to do it again. There will be a second Exodus. This salvation will be final. It will fulfill both how God will triumph over this world for His people and how He will deal with their sin through a mediator.<br /><br />The book of Exodus has established the glorious nature of salvation and looks forward to its fulfillment. It anticipates Jesus Christ—the One full of grace and truth (John 1:14)—to deal with their sin and lead His people home to an eternal kingdom."<br /><br /><i>Article written by Dr. Chou. Abner Chou began teaching Greek at The Master's University in 2004, and continues to teach both at the university and seminary. Ultimately, he aims for students to know the Word of God deeply, study it accurately, and be driven by it to live fully for the Kingdom.</i></div>
ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-84141198603798030552019-04-22T00:00:00.000-07:002019-04-22T00:00:01.825-07:00Encouragement for Those at the Crossroads of Life: College Bound<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I do not want you to experience what too many church kids have experienced. Many adults will have their deepest regrets in regard to the choices they make from age 18 to 26. These years are the crossroads of life. You decide many things during these years – will I continue to worship God outside my parents’ influence? Will I still gather with God’s people in worship on the Lord’s day? Am I going to work hard to earn a living? Am I going to be generous with what I have? With whom will I choose to spend my life?<br />
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Sadly, many have walked away from the faith during these critical years, never to return. My desire and prayer is that this will not be your story. <br />
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Whether you go to school in the bubble of a Christian college or a secular university; whether you are headed into the workplace or taking a gap year – the danger remains the same.<br />
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I want to give you three words that will help you handle your newfound freedom and maximize it for your spiritual growth.<br />
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<b>PURPOSE</b><br />
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Purpose is word number one. Too many students transitioning from high school to college lack purpose. They don’t know the why behind what they’re doing. They don’t even know why they’re going to school except that it’s expected. Most don’t know why they’re here on the planet.If you waste your days, you waste your life<br />
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It is sad to see these college years lived with such a lack of purpose. If you don’t understand your purpose in these pivotal years, you will waste an extraordinary portion of your life that could have been maximized for your future self and for the glory of God.<br />
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If you wrote yourself a letter 20 years from now, I’m confident that you would tell yourself to live these years with purpose, to be mindful of the tremendous opportunities and freedoms at your fingertips, and to use these in a way that would bring God the most glory and your soul the deepest growth. <br />
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Paul, in <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/Eph%205.15-16" target="_blank">Ephesians 5:15-16</a>, writes, Be careful then how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.<br />
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This verse first tells you to be mindful of how you walk. <br />
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This is one of the most abundant metaphors in the New Testament – walking. It’s just one foot in front of the other. The Christian life is about getting up each day in order to be obedient to Jesus.<br />
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The Christian life is not ordinarily filled with the exhilarating sweeps and swoops of a rollercoaster, nor daily do we experience the majestic peaks and dark valleys of the Himalayas. Instead, the majority of the Christian life is spent walking – one foot in front of the other. It requires consistency, balance, and care as you find your footing."<br />
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Then the author defines the Christian walk as it relates to time. "In these transitional years, you have the opportunity to harness the time to benefit your soul. Time is ticking; the clock is turning. Another day has passed, and with it, a myriad of opportunities that, when judgment day comes, you will wish you would have seized.<br />
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The author tells you to redeem the time. But you likely do not think of an hour as something to redeem. The word redeem comes from slavery. Slavery was far different in the ancient world than the evils with which we relate the term. Slavery was a condition that people could be bought out of – or redeemed from. <br />
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Redemption is an intriguing word to use in reference to time. It’s as if to say you could buy back time. The word for time used is one that refers to periods of time – epochs, ages, stages, or moments. It refers to longer sections of time; not so much measurable units as periods of life. <br />
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However, do not make too much of the distinction between stages of time and minutes of time, because stages are made of minutes. Seconds become minutes and minutes become hours and hours become weeks and weeks months and months years and years decades and decades lifetimes. If you waste your days, you waste your life. <br />
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This does not mean that you must nail down every detail of your future life. The Bible warns against this kind of thinking. But a wise man plans. In Proverbs, the wise man plans how he will sow seed and harvest it to yield a profit. Planning is deeply biblical.<br />
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This can be done in simple ways – like not changing your major 700 times; like finishing the classes you start; like learning to be responsible with the small amounts of money you have. All these habits you train yourself in today will later pay dividends. <br />
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None of this is flashy. But before you can be the next Hudson Taylor, you must understand that Hudson Taylor had his act together. And that’s what I’m pleading with you to do.<br />
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I’m telling you the truth. I’m telling you what I believe you would tell yourself decades from now: to use these years better than you would have. </div>
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<b>PROGRESS</b><br />
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Too many young Christians don’t make enough of the word progress.<br />
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The Apostle Paul wrote to his young protégé, Timothy: <i>Be diligent [or take pains] in these matters. Give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and your doctrine closely. Persevere in them because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers</i>.1 Timothy 4:15-16<br />
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This is advice given to a young man in ministry. But this principle isn’t limited to pastors. We all need to be diligent – to take pains – in matters of life and godliness. After all, what else matters, but life and godliness? This stage of life is the time to make observable progress in these areas.<br />
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As children, our parents lined us up and penciled our height onto kitchen walls. They were measuring growth. The same way they marked growth, charted progress, and kept track of development, a wise believer is to be mindful of his growth as a Christian.<br />
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The ways that you grow as a Christian are manifold. They are all graces of God – things like prayer, Bible study, serving in the church, worshiping God with the people of God. All of these are means of spiritual growth, and you should be seeing progress in these areas. There should be observable progress in your sanctification, in your desire to be more like Jesus, and in your pursuit of holiness.<br />
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Notice what I’m not saying. I am not telling you that you will gain victory over all your sin by age 25. It’s not going to happen. God never promises it. He promises victory over sin when He glorifies you and removes you from this body of flesh and redeems you fully and finally in heaven. That is when victory comes. You hear Christians claiming victory over sin and the devil. They are not totally wrong, but they are awfully premature.<br />
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It is not victory we are after; it’s obedience.<br />
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One of the most impactful chapters I have read was in a book by Jerry Bridges called Pursuit of Holiness. A chapter entitled Obedience—Not Victory transformed the way I thought about my struggle against sin. No longer was I fighting never to sin again. Instead, I was trying to put one foot in front of the other – to obey Jesus in the moment, day, and week to come. This is an entirely different battle than attempting to never sin again. It’s a battle in which you will be able to measure tangible progress. Pursue obedience, not victory.<br />
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The more effort you put towards your spiritual growth, towards getting rid of your bad habits, towards gaining more discipline over your appetites, over your desires, over bringing sanctification into each aspect of your life, you will see progress. Progress should be measurable, not only by you, but as Paul said, “So that everyone may see your progress.”<br />
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You know your weaknesses. Make measurable progress in them. Make so much progress that it’s not just you who sees it, but those around you. It will be an encouragement to the church, to your family, and to your brothers and sisters in Christ. Maturity is measurable.</div>
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<b><br />POLITY</b><br />
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Polity is a Christian word that means doctrine of the church. <br />
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You will likely be married someday, or you may not be. You may have your dream job, or you may not. But, if you are a follower of Jesus, you will always be part of a local church. <br />
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God’s people, since Jesus rose from the grave, have always been committed to gathering together on the Lord’s day and worshiping Jesus. This is your Christian priority. <br />
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This is especially pertinent to those of you who are attending school away from home. Your priority is to find a faithful church. It may not look, feel, and smell exactly like your church back home. You need to get over yourself and your preferences and go to church. <br />
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In Acts 5, there is a story of Ananias and Sapphira. It’s the story of when God killed people at church. God takes church involvement seriously. So much so, that He killed those who claimed to be part of the church but lied to the Holy Spirit and to the church leadership; He did this to demonstrate how seriously He takes commitment to the church.<br />
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Following this incident, many dared not associate with the church for fear of the Lord (Acts 5:13). But there were also many joining their numbers (Acts 5:14).<br />
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This is an interesting contrast. Two people died because they were not worshiping God as He required. Outsiders understood how weighty a commitment the church was. But others were drawn to the church. They understood the consequences, and they wanted in. They counted the cost. They took it seriously. Membership in a local church requires commitment to Jesus and to His people, and we should be drawn to it.<br />
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The teaching of the New Testament (especially the book of Acts) assumes formal church membership as does the practice of 2,000 years of church history. We need accountability, we need to be cared for, watched over, and led. Sheep need a shepherd.<br />
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It is good that the pastor wants to have your name and your phone number and to put you on the list. He has a responsibility of watching over your soul. When you leave your church and join another, write a letter saying, “I’m moving to this church. They’re going to watch over me.” That is how Christians have operated for the entirety of church history.<br />
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Today, Christians go to church like they’re going to Cinnabon. They come as customers; they get in line and expect to be pampered. If not, they head somewhere else. That’s not what the church is for. The church is an imperfect body of believers that loves Jesus, one another, and gathers to worship Christ each Sunday.</div>
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<b>CHOOSE WISELY</b></div>
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<b><br /></b>The road ahead is filled with choices. During these years, many who were raised in the church have wandered, stumbled, and willfully walked away. Few intend to do so, but the mortality rate remains staggering. This was the message of the author of Hebrews to Christians on the brink of turning away, may it never apply to you:<br />
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See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.Heb. 3:12-14<br />
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Every year at Camp Regen I give a talk to the high school seniors about apostasy. This message is an excerpt from what I say to them. I hope you find it helpful for those you know moving from high school to college.<br />
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<i>Article by Dr. Austin T. Duncan. Austin serves as the college pastor at Grace Community Church and is the director of Expository Preaching at TMS.</i></div>
ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-1773451904830623892019-04-20T00:00:00.000-07:002019-04-20T00:00:13.339-07:00The Mandate of Biblical Inerrancy, Authority, and Sufficiency: Expository Preaching <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Preaching ought to reflect our conviction that God’s Word is infallible, inerrant, and If we believe that “all Scripture is inspired by God” and inerrant, must we not be equally committed to the reality that it is “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (<a href="https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/2%20Tim%203.16-17" target="_blank">2 Tim 3:16-17</a>)? Expository preaching is the proclamation of the truth of God as mediated through the preacher <br /><br />Paul gave this mandate to Timothy: “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction” (<a href="https://biblia.com/bible/nasb95/2%20Tim%204.1-2" target="_blank">2 Tim 4:1-2</a>, emphasis added). Any form of preaching that ignores that intended purpose and design of God falls short of the divine plan. <br /><br />The only logical response to inerrant Scripture is to preach expositionally. By expositionally, I mean preaching in such a way that the meaning of the Bible passage is presented entirely and exactly as it was intended by God. Expository preaching is the proclamation of the truth of God as mediated through the preacher. <br /><br />GOD’S WORD IS INFALLIBLE AND INERRANT <br /><br />Too often, preaching does not reflect the reality that God’s word is infallible and inerrant. In fact, there is a discernable trend in contemporary evangelicalism away from biblical preaching and a drift toward an experience-centered, pragmatic, topical approach in the pulpit. <br /><br />Many evangelicals hold to limited inerrancy, but they cannot have their cake (trustworthy Scripture) and eat it too (limited inerrancy). If the Bible is unable to produce a sound doctrine of Scripture, then it is thus incapable of producing, with any degree of believability or credibility, a doctrine about any other matter. If the human writers of Scripture have erred in their understanding of Holy Writ’s purity, then they have disqualified themselves as writers for any other area of God’s revealed truth. If they are so disqualified in all areas, then every preacher is thoroughly robbed of any confidence and conviction concerning the alleged true message he would be relaying for God. <a name='more'></a><br /><br />PREACH GOD’S INTENDED MESSAGE <br /><br />The expositor’s task is to preach the mind of God as he finds it in the inerrant Word of God. He understands it through the disciplines of hermeneutics and exegesis. He declares it expositorily then as the message which God spoke and commissioned him to deliver. As a result of this exegetical process that began with a commitment to inerrancy, the expositor is equipped with a true message, with true intent, and with true application. It gives his preaching perspective historically, theologically, contextually, literarily, synoptically, and culturally. His message is God’s intended message. <br /><br />THE LINK BETWEEN INERRANCY AND PROCLAMATION: THE EXEGETICAL PROCESS <br /><br />Inerrancy demands exposition as the only method of preaching that preserves the purity of Scripture and accomplishes the purpose for which God gave us His Word. It demands a faithful bible study process (2 Tim. 2:15) and an expository proclamation (2 Tim. 4:1-5). Only the exegetical process preserves God’s Word entirely, guarding the treasure of revelation and declaring its meaning exactly as He intended it to be proclaimed. Thus, it is the essential link between inerrancy and proclamation. It is mandated to preserve the purity of God’s originally given inerrant Word and to proclaim the whole counsel of God’s redemptive truth." <br /><br />Article by Pastor John MacArthur. For 50 years Pastor John has been a role model of faithful exposition. His sermons are broadcasted on the hour, around the world, every day of the week. <div>
<br /><b>Lake Country Bible Church is fully committed to these biblical principles- <a href="http://www.lakecountrybible.org/" target="_blank">www.lakecountrybible.org</a></b></div>
ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-26893998405533354582019-04-19T00:00:00.000-07:002019-04-18T12:27:38.512-07:00Exodus and God’s Eternal Plans (Pt. 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In our study of the Bible, we suffer from over-familiarity—an attitude that says, “I know this. I’ve heard this before.” This is the dilemma of the book of Exodus. We know the book’s stories: Moses, the ten plagues, the Ten Commandments, the golden calf, and the tabernacle. We tend to sprint through narrative passages when their stories are familiar to us. <br />
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But, we ought to pause for one compelling reason: narratives contain theology.<br />
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In the Scriptures, history is the basis for theology. When we read, we need not only to look for the facts of what happens, but also for the reasons why. What is God doing in narratives as He moves people and maneuvers situations? This approach to reading narrative passages provides a glimpse into the theology that is developing and the character of God that is being displayed.<br />
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Let’s examine the familiar passage of Exodus 1-2 and see what rich theological truths can be gleaned.<br />
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<b>A THEOLOGY OF A DELIVERER</b><br />
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The book of Exodus has an epic beginning. In the first verses, the list of names of descendants and offspring are quoted from Genesis 46, where God expounds how He has kept the promises of the Abrahamic Covenant. This covenant includes three major promises: land, seed, and blessing. This hook in Exodus 1 highlights the promise of seed—a promise that traces back as far as Genesis 3:15, where God promises that the seed of the woman would crush the serpent’s head. By opening Exodus with these verses, God is saying, “I’m continuing my plan for Israel. I’m moving forward with Genesis 3:15.”<br />
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Israel was not crying out to anyone. They were not praying to God<br />
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In light of this context, we should not miss the details of Exodus 2 and the story of Moses’ birth. Each component of this narrative has been crafted to highlight God’s selection of Moses as the deliverer He will use at this time to save His people. This narrative is a masterpiece.<br />
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Let me give three examples of this. First, this passage says that “the woman conceived and bore a son” (Ex 2:2). This phraseology is used in association with Genesis 3:15—that the woman would conceive and give birth to a seed, the Messiah. Consistently throughout the Old Testament, this phrase signals a pattern—a woman unable to conceive gives birth to a child who assumes a significant role in the plan of God. We see this language in the birth of Isaac (Gen 21:2), Samuel (1 Sam 2:21), and ultimately the virgin birth of the Messiah (Isa 7:14). By this use of language, the birth of Moses designates him as one of the host of deliverers; this line of deliverers would culminate in the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. The words of Exodus 2 are not incidental but intentional. <br />
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Second, when the mother of Moses places him into a basket, the word choice should also be noticed. The Hebrew word for basket is not “basket.” The word used means “ark,” as in Noah’s Ark. To be sure, Moses’ mother did not float a boat down the river. However, God describes this basket as an ark to illustrate that Moses follows the footsteps of Noah. Just as God used Noah to save humanity, so Moses will be instrumental in God’s plan of salvation. <br />
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Third, Moses’ mother hides him “among the reeds” (Ex 2:3). This word, “reeds”—only used twice in the book of Exodus—is the same word used for the “Red Sea.” The repetition brings to remembrance that Israel would cross the Red Sea. The implication is clear: what happens to Moses will happen to all of Israel. This word choice connects Moses’ deliverance by passing over the Nile with Israel’s dry crossing through the Red Sea. The deliverance for Moses becomes the deliverance for his people.<br />
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Thus, the birth of Moses is not merely biographical. Rather, it declares God’s agenda of deliverance and sets a precedent for how He raises up those who will deliver His people. The birth of Moses designates him as a deliverer, aligns his deliverance with that of his people, and puts him in a line of deliverers, one day to culminate in the Messiah. <br />
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With that knowledge, think forward to the New Testament and consider the birth of Christ. Jesus’ birth parallels the birth of Moses. Both involve kings who want to kill all the baby boys (Ex 1:22; Matt 2:16). Both babies were delivered by God from these dire circumstances (Ex 2:1-10; Matt 2:15-17). In fact, Matthew even links the deliverance of Jesus with the Exodus (Matt 2:15; cf. Hos 11:1). Just as God raised up Moses to be a deliverer, He uses identical circumstances to announce Jesus as the ultimate deliverer, the final Moses prophesied of old. With the details and theology of Exodus 2 in view, the message of Christ’s birth becomes unmistakably clear. Exodus 1-2 provides a theology of how God establishes His deliverer. </div>
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<b>A THEOLOGY OF SALVATION</b></div>
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We can learn another lesson from these chapters. </div>
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Exodus 1-2 not only introduces a theology of deliverer, but a theology of salvation. Salvation is a critical issue in the book and is introduced in these opening chapters. As God continues to shape the life of Moses as a deliverer, He sends Moses into the wilderness. It is in the wilderness that Moses met Jethro’s daughters and delivered them (Ex 2:19). The text technically states that Moses “saved” (ישׁע) them, this being the first time this word is used in Exodus. The flow of the narrative shows that God raised up Moses to be a deliverer unto salvation. <br />
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At this point, we can make an important observation concerning the nature of salvation. At the end of Exodus 2, God has raised up a deliverer and is ready to initiate His work of salvation. In this moment, Israel is under tremendous strain: “They cried out and their cry rose up to God” (Exodus 2:23). The precise wording is important. Scripture often records how people “cried out to the Lord.” But in this passage, it simply says, “they cried out.” The text is clear. Israel was not crying out to anyone. They were not praying to God.<br />
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God took notice of Israel, not, however, because the people prayed to Him. Rather, God heard their groaning and remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob solely because of His commitment to His people. <br />
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Exodus 2:23-25 reminds that God alone initiates salvation. None of us asked for salvation; He gave it to us when we, like the Israelites, were not even asking. This is the intervening love God has for His chosen people.<br />
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We should say, “Thank God,” that He decided to save us when we did not even know to cry out to Him. That is the salvation theology established in the book of Exodus. God initiates deliverance as He raises up a deliverer. Having done so in these chapters with Moses, He will use the rest of this book to reveal a mighty salvation."<br />
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In part 2 of this series, we will look at the rest of the book of Exodus. </div>
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<i>Article written by Dr. Abner Chou. Abner is a professor at the Master's University and the Mater's Seminary. He is one of the world's foremost experts on biblical languages and hermeneutics. </i></div>
ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-47429348740359112662019-04-18T11:59:00.002-07:002019-04-18T11:59:37.513-07:00Don’t Mistake Your Passion for Theological Precision<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Caring Enough to Be Careful</b><br /><br />I’m glad there are people in the world—most people in the world, it turns out—who know more about cars than I do. I don’t want good-natured well-wishers to replace my alternator. I want someone who has paid careful attention to the intricacies of auto repair. I want someone who cares about precision. I want someone who knows what he’s doing. I want an expert.<br /><br />To act as if no one knows more than anyone else is not only silly; it’s also a serious mistake. In his book The Death of Expertise, Tom Nichols cites a survey from a few years ago in which enthusiasm for military intervention in Ukraine was directly proportional to the person’s lack of knowledge about Ukraine. It seems that the dumber we are, the more confident we are in our own intellectual achievements.<br /><br />Nichols relays an incident where someone on Twitter was trying to do research about sarin gas. When the world’s expert on sarin gas offered to help, the original tweeter (a world-class “twit” we might say) proceeded to angrily lecture the expert for acting like a know-it-all. The expert may not have known it all, but in this case, he knew exponentially more than someone crowdsourcing his research online. And when it comes to chemical warfare, I’d like my experts to have as much expertise as possible.<br /><i><br />We live in an age where passion is often considered an adequate substitute for precision.</i><br /><br />We’ve swallowed the lie that says that if we believe in equal rights, we must believe that all opinions have equal merit. Nichols also tells the story of an undergraduate student arguing with a renowned astrophysicist who was on campus to give a lecture about missile defense. After seeing that the famous scientist was not going to change his mind after hearing the arguments from a college sophomore, the student concluded in a harrumph, “Well, your guess is as good as mine.” At which point the astrophysicist quickly interjected, “No, no, no. My guesses are much, much better than yours.”1<a name='more'></a><br /><br />There was nothing wrong with the student asking hard questions, or even getting into an argument. The problem was in assuming he had as much to offer on the subject after a few minutes of reflection as the scientist did after decades of training and research.<br /><br /><b>Requiring Rigorous Thinking</b><br /><br />We live in an age where passion is often considered an adequate substitute for precision. Charles Spurgeon once advised young ministers that when drawn into controversy, they should “use very hard arguments and very soft words.”2 It’s a good thing Spurgeon never used social media! Too many tweets and posts specialize in overly hard words and especially soft arguments.<br /><br />Many of us, even Christians, have little patience for rigorous thinking and little interest in careful definition. We emote better than we reason, and we describe our feelings better than we define our words, which is one reason we need to study old confessions written by dead people. Whatever errors of harshness or exaggerated rhetoric may have existed in earlier centuries of theological discourse, this much is wonderfully and refreshingly true: they were relentlessly passionate about doctrinal truth.<br /><br />They cared about biblical fidelity. They cared about definitions. And they cared about precision. Praise God, they cared enough to be careful."<br /><br />Notes: Tom Nichols, The Death of Expertise: The Campaign against Established Knowledge and Why It Matters (Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2017), 82–83<div>
<br />C. H. Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students, Complete and Unabridged (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1979), 173.</div>
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<i><b>Article written by Kevin DeYoung.</b></i></div>
ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7714961559747205826.post-6374693401194412462019-04-11T00:00:00.000-07:002019-04-11T00:00:07.244-07:00Did the Old Testament Prophets Know What They Were Saying?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"When reading Scripture, the tendency of many Christians is to think in terms of what this verse means to me. What the Bible means to a given individual, however, is completely irrelevant, for the true meaning of Scripture is found not in the subjective impression of the contemporary reader but rather in the specific intention of the original author. For this reason, we often speak of “authorial intent” as the goal of Bible interpretation.<br /><br />But this only raises a further question: exactly whose intent are we seeking to ascertain? The intent of the human author or the intent of the divine author? Or is it possible that there is actually no tangible difference between the two? Herein lies one of the key issues in the field of hermeneutics today—the question of whether the human intention and divine intention of Scripture are one and the same.<br /><br /><b>A Closer Look at a Difficult Passage</b><br />Some interpreters point to 1 Peter 1:10 as evidence of a sharp distinction between of the human and divine intention of OT prophecy. In this passage, the apostle Peter writes: <i>(10) As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, (11) seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. (12) It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look.</i><br /><br />According to this view, 1 Peter 1:10-12 teaches that the OT prophets did not understand the meaning of their own prophecies. For this reason, it is said, the human and divine intent of Scripture cannot be regarded as one and the same.<a name='more'></a><br /><br />At issue here is perspicuity of the Old Testament. The term “perspicuity” refers to the overall clarity of God’s Word in which the meaning of Scripture was basically clear and comprehensible to its original audience. Some interpreters effectively deny the perspicuity of the Old Testament by insisting that its true meaning could only be understood hundreds of years later in light of the New Testament. This was the conviction of George Eldon Ladd, who insisted that “the New Testament frequently interprets Old Testament prophecies in a way not suggested by the Old Testament context.”<br /><br />Many who embrace this view refer to this as the sensus plenior of the Old Testament. Sensus plenior means “fuller sense,” and it refers to an additional, deeper meaning of an OT passage which was (a) intended by God, (b) not intended or understood by the human author, (c) not understood by the original audience, and (d) not known to exist until it was discerned and revealed by the NT writer. According to the sensus plenior view, the Holy Spirit embedded a hidden meaning in the OT passage even though the original human author and audience were completely unaware of it, and the NT citations of the OT often bring out this fuller meaning. If 1 Peter 1:10-12 teaches that the OT prophets were unaware of the meaning of their prophecies, it would seem to provide biblical justification for this view.<br /><br />On the contrary, the ignorance of the OT prophets as described in 1 Peter 1:10-12 has been greatly overstated. As Walt Kaiser observes, 1 Peter 1:10-12“decisively affirms that the prophets spoke knowingly on five rather precise topics: 1) the Messiah, 2) his sufferings, 3) his glory, 4) the sequence of events (for example, suffering was followed by the Messiah’s glorification), and 5) that the salvation announced in those pre-Christian days was not limited to the prophets’ audiences, but it also included the readers of Peter’s day (v. 12).” In other words, what the prophets unsuccessfully strived to understand was not the meaning of their prophecies but rather the identity of the Messiah and the time of His coming.<br /><br />To clarify the difference, it is helpful to distinguish between the “sense” and the “referent” of a given word or prophecy. The “sense” of a word is its meaning, the actual concept conveyed by the word itself. In contrast, the “referent” of a word is the specific thing/person/event that the word refers to in a given context. For example, the sense of the word “man” is an adult male, but its referent will vary according to the specific man being identified or referred to in a given context. With this distinction in mind, 1 Peter 1:10-12 does not teach that the OT prophets were curious about—and yet often ignorant of—the meaning of what they wrote, for their careful search was not for the sense of their prophecies but rather for the identity of the referent, as well as the time of His arrival. Ignorance of the referent does not imply ignorance of the sense.<br /><br /><b>A Surprise Meaning?</b><br /><br />To illustrate, consider the following scenario. A man decides to surprise his family with a trip to the beach after work. So he calls his wife from the office and asks her to tell the children that he has a “surprise” for them when he gets home, but he doesn’t tell her what the surprise is. As a messenger to the children, the man’s wife doesn’t possess the full picture of his plans for the future because she doesn’t know the identity of the actual surprise. But when she gathers the children and tells them, “Daddy has a ‘surprise’ for you when he comes home,” she accurately understands the meaning of the message she has delivered on his behalf, and she has delivered the entire message that her husband intended her to deliver.<br /><br />In this way, her ignorance of the referent of the word “surprise” (a trip to the beach) doesn’t render her ignorant of the sense/meaning of the message she has communicated. Furthermore, her ignorance of the referent of the word “surprise” does not mean that there is a gap between the man’s intention as the ultimate author of the message and her intention as the one who delivered his message. After all, his intended meaning and her intended meaning are one and the same: “Daddy has a surprise for the children when he gets home.” He obviously knows much more about the surprise than she does, but this is indeed the entirety of the message he has chosen to reveal to her—and communicate through her—at least at this point in time.<br /><br />In the same way, even though the divine author of the OT prophecies understood full well all of the specific referents in those prophecies, the fact that the prophets themselves didn’t necessarily know the identity of these referents does not indicate that they didn’t understand the meaning of their own messages. Nor does it indicate that there were deeper, secondary meanings in their words that went beyond their own intention as the human authors of Scripture (see Acts 2:30). God obviously knew much more about the bigger picture than the prophet, but the prophecy contains the entirety of the message He has chosen to reveal to him—and communicate through him—at least at this particular moment in redemptive history. Additional details (and therefore clarity) would come later, often through a different prophet.<br /><br />Furthermore, even though the prophets understood the meaning of their prophecies, this does not mean they always understood all of the yet-to-be-revealed events surrounding the fulfillment of their prophecies. A given prophet understood the unique contribution of the piece that he was adding to the puzzle, but not necessarily how his piece fit into the yet-to-be-added-later pieces that would eventually surround his piece and fill out the overall picture. Sometimes this would leave the OT prophet unaware of exactly how and when his prophecy would be fulfilled, but this does not mean he didn’t understand what he was saying. The human and divine intention are one and the same."<br /><br /><b><i>Article written by Pastor Matt Waymeyer</i></b>ckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16942023492672487058noreply@blogger.com